Greenwich Man Charged With Child Pornography Offenses: Feds

GREENWICH, CT — A 36-year-old Greenwich man was arrested Tuesday on a federal criminal complaint that charged him with child pornography offenses, according to a news release from United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery.

Christopher Bates Jr. appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport Tuesday and was released on a $300,000 bond under electronic monitoring.

According to Avery, the federal complaint charges Bates with receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and a maximum term of 20 years; and possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum prison term of 20 years.

"As alleged in court documents, an international law investigation revealed that an IP address at Bates’ residence was being used to access the dark web to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children," Avery said in a news release.

On Nov. 30, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) interviewed Bates, who consented to a search of his electronic devices, added Avery.

"A forensic preview of one of his laptops revealed approximately 1,000 images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants," Avery noted. "A full forensic examination of his electronic devices is ongoing."

Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.

This case is being investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Greenwich Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

To report cases of child exploitation, click here.