Crime & Safety

Thousands Of Child Sexual Abuse Images Found In SMC Hotel, AZ Man Arrested: Police

Investigators said the case began after digital devices were left behind at an SFO hotel.

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Police found digital devices containing child sexual abuse material at a hotel near San Francisco International Airport, leading to the arrest of an Arizona man, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said.

On Jan. 30, the San Francisco Police Department officers said they responded to the Grand Hyatt Hotel at SFO after a hotel employee discovered digital devices containing child sexual abuse material that had been left behind in a hotel room.

SMC Sheriff's detectives said they confirmed the devices contained child sexual abuse material and began investigating to identify the person who left them behind.

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After obtaining a search warrant, investigators reviewed video evidence and identified the suspect as Steven Davison, 66, of Marana, Arizona, the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office partnered with the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which conducted a forensic examination of the devices. Investigators uncovered thousands of child sexual abuse material images involving victims ranging from young children to teenagers, officials said.

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In February, the sheriff's office notified the Marana Police Department and a joint investigation began.

In May, Marana police obtained a search warrant for Davison's home. A Detective assisted with serving the warrant on May 7, and investigators located additional evidence, officials said.

Davison was arrested and booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center on multiple Arizona charges, including a San Mateo County charge for possession of child sexual abuse material, police said.

The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office has since filed charges against Davison. He is currently out of custody on bail in Arizona and awaiting a future court date, officials said.

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