Child Porn Investigation Leads To Charges For Dumfries: Police

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A Dumfries man faces several child pornography charges, the Prince WIlliam County Police Department announced on Thursday.

The man, 20-year-old Mario Esteman Alvarez Benitez, was arrested on Monday. He is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and nine counts of possession of child pornography subsequent offense.

Alvarez Benitez is being held without bond at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center. His court date is scheduled for Oct. 30.

If convicted of all charges, Alvarez Benitez could face up to 95 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

In August, a Prince William County detective working with the Northern Virginia/DC Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from Fairfax County police, according to a news release. The tip claimed that Alvarez Benitez possessed child pornography.

Detectives searched Alvarez Benitez's home during the investigation and found electronic items containing child pornography, 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.