Community Assistance Sought in Child Exploitation Case

Leroy Smith, an 85-year-old resident of Pima, faces ten charges related to child exploitation, currently held on a bond set at $250,000. Authorities are reaching out to the public for assistance in identifying any potential victims.

Special agents from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) alongside local police are working to uncover details surrounding allegations that arose on June 10, related to incidents involving children.

Smith had his initial court appearance on June 11 in Graham County. Facing the serious charges of exploiting minors, he was issued a bond amounting to $250,000.

The investigation into Smith began back in November 2021, sparked by tips related to Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) targeting specific IP addresses in Southeastern Arizona. Following meticulous investigative methods, agents traced the IP address back to Smith’s home in Pima.

By March 2022, HSI executed a search warrant at his residence, confiscating computers and other electronic devices for forensic analysis. This analysis revealed that Smith had been actively downloading and storing files that contained child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

On June 10, assisted by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office and the Pima Police Department, HSI arrested Smith for breaching Arizona’s laws on sexual exploitation of minors.

Authorities urge anyone who may have had interactions with Smith or possesses information related to this case to reach out to the HSI tip line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP. For those calling internationally, the number is 802-872-6199, and deaf callers can use TTY at 802-872-6196. Tips can be made anonymously, and expert personnel are prepared to handle information provided by the public and law enforcement.

It’s important to note that everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

HSI stands at the forefront of efforts against child exploitation. Last year, agents dedicated extensive resources—over 1.2 million case hours—to investigating such crimes. This issue profoundly affects society’s most vulnerable members: children. With the internet becoming increasingly accessible, the risks for young people continue to grow. HSI agents and analysts worldwide are committed to tackling this pressing danger.

As the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, HSI holds responsibility for probing cross-border criminal activities, especially those linked to organizations that exploit global systems in trade, travel, and finance. Employing over 10,000 personnel across 235 U.S. offices and 93 international locations, HSI embodies a significant presence in global law enforcement.