Child Pornography Tip Leads To Arrest Of Leesburg Man: Police

LEESBURG, VA — A Leesburg man was arrested in a child pornography investigation on Thursday, the Leesburg Police Department said.

Authorities identified the man as 33-year-old Christopher Collins. He is charged with one count of possession of child pornography.

If convicted, Collins could face up to five years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines. He is being without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

Investigators said they received a tip about possible child pornography in Collins's possession. "Upon receipt of the tip, a Leesburg police detective assigned to the NOVA-DC Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force conducted an investigation and determined that Christopher Collins was in possession of sexually explicit material involving a child," the Leesburg Police Department said.

Authorities arrested Collins on Thursday at his home in the 600 block of Constellation Square SE. Investigators then executed a search warrant at his home.

"We would like to thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners from the NOVA-DC Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, including but not limited to, Virginia State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Secret Service for their invaluable assistance in this investigation," the police department said.

Resources are available for people who are victims of sexual exploitation and violence. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation hosts an array of resources for victims and their families on their website.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.