Father of Accused Toddler-Abusing Mom Pleads Guilty to Child Porn

A 58-year-old Roseville man whose daughter has been accused of malnourishing a toddler to the point of death has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in an unreleated case, officials say.

Police began talking with Daniel Harrison McGrath last year when investigating the death of his 2-year-old granddaughter, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner. 

McGrath, a Roseville resident, was told police would be conducting a search for evidence in the toddler's death, and would examine his computers.

"McGrath said that he had 'sensitive' information on the computer, and then he admitted that he had files of child pornography on the computers," a press release stated. "A search warrant was obtained by Roseville police detectives, and a forensic review of the seized computer evidence identified more than 3,000 images and videos of child pornography."

Some of his files showed "prepubescent children, sadistic and masochistic conduct, and infants," according to the press release.

He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The full press release follows:

ROSEVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Daniel Harrison McGrath, 58, of Roseville, pleaded guilty today to possession of more than 3,000 images and videos of child pornography. The Roseville Police Department participated in this investigation.

According to court documents, on April 4, 2012, McGrath’s granddaughter was found dead in his home. McGrath’s daughter, who is the child’s mother, has been charged in Placer County with the death. During an audio and videotaped interview about the death, McGrath was told that a search warrant would be executed and that his computers would be taken as part of the investigation. McGrath said that he had “sensitive” information on the computer, and then he admitted that he had files of child pornography on the computers. A search warrant was obtained by Roseville police detectives, and a forensic review of the seized computer evidence identified more than 3,000 images and videos of child pornography. These images and videos were contained on the disconnected computer hard drive, as well as on multiple CDs created by McGrath. Some of these images and videos showed prepubescent children, sadistic and masochistic conduct, and infants.

McGrath is scheduled to be sentenced on , by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

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