City man charged over child porn after interpol probe

A 25-YEAR-OLD Edinburgh man has been arrested in a transatlantic police operation after viewing indecent images of a three-year-old girl on the internet.

The man, named as Paul Hanlon, is expected to appear in court later today after the joint operation involving Lothian and Borders Police, Interpol and the FBI.

A 24-year-old US woman has also been arrested for creating a live child porn show and screening it to him.

A joint investigation by the FBI and Interpol led to the arrest of Misty Reneedawn Wofford at her Texas home early today.

She is alleged to have forced the girl to expose herself on the webcam being watched by Hanlon at his Currie home.

Details of the child porn show were discovered when Hanlon was arrested on suspicion of distributing indecent images over the internet.

A search of his computer revealed the name and location of Wofford as well as details of their discussion of using the three-year-old girl in their chats via Skype.

Detectives from the Lothian and Borders Police in Scotland alerted Interpol who in turn handed over details to the FBI.

Wofford was tracked down to her friend’s apartment in Webster and arrested on child porn charges.

She is alleged to have admitted that Hanlon encouraged her “to do many things” to the child but she had never sexually assaulted her. Wofford also allegedly admitted exposing the child over the webcam.

Detective David Nettles with Webster Police said: “Information on Hanlon’s computer allowed us to exact a search warrant. Mr Hanlon was held by Lothian and Borders Police on suspicion of distribution of indecent images.

“A preview of the contents of his computer showed conversations of a disturbing nature and allowed us to obtain a search warrant for Wolford’s home.’

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders police said. “A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged sexual offences. The man is to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today”.