Uploads to Social Media Lead to Rochester Man’s Conviction
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man today entered guilty pleas to child pornography charges in Olmsted County Court.
30-year-old Gavin Wacker Sullivan was charged in July after Rochester police launched an investigation based upon cyber tips involving 18 videos and an image of suspected child sex sexual abuse material that had been uploaded to a social media site earlier in the year. He was charged with two counts of possession of child pornography.
According to the criminal complaint, records obtained from Google were used to trace the social media account to Sullivan and an address in southwest Rochester. That led to the execution of a search warrant at the home.
Court records indicate investigators discovered 31 videos and four images of alleged child sexual abuse material mainly involving young girls between the ages of 6-8 years old had been uploaded to the social media account. In addition, the search conducted at Sullivan's residence led to the discovery of "many images consistent with child sexual abuse material" and the criminal complaint notes that some of the children in the images appeared to be as young as four years old.
The charging document also says that when police came to his residence to execute the search warrant, Sullivan answered the door and then attempted to flee back into the house. He had an iPhone in his possession, and investigators also found multiple cell phones and computers in the home.
Sullivan admitted to both felony charges filed against him. The plea deal calls for a stayed four-year prison sentence and five years on probation. He is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
More Minnesota News:
- Minnesota Man Sentenced for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Riot
- Guilty Plea For Gun Threat Outside Rochester Townhome Complex
- Motorcyclist Severely Injured In Southeast Minnesota Crash
Amazing Display of the Northern Lights in Southeast Minnesota
Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio