Byron Man Accused of Sending & Downloading Child Pornography

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Byron man is facing five felony charges in connection to a child pornography case. 

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Olmsted County Court documents say the case was opened last October when an Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Investigator received a cyber tip from three social media companies regarding child sexual abuse material. The tips alleged 27 videos were sent to other people between July and August of last year. 

Investigators traced the tips to an IP address belonging to 38-year-old James Savells. The criminal complaint accuses Savells of sending a lewd image of an 11-14 year-old girl to a Snapchat user and a video showing an adult engaging in sexual conduct with an infant that was sent 11 times through the Telegram app, WhatsApp and Kik. 

Savells is also accused of downloading sexual abuse material depicting victims between the ages of 3 and 8 and sending the material over WhatsApp. The charges say investigators learned of the communications after seizing a phone and USB driver belonging to Savells during a search on December 15, 2022. Investigators also found 325 images of child sexual abuse material on a desktop computer that was at Savells’s residence. 

Savells told investigators he does not seek the child pornography but said he is curious about it and will download it. The charges say he also admitted to sending the material to people he messages with when he becomes upset about the online interactions. 

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).

Prosecutors have charged Savells with two felony counts of distributing child pornography and three counts of child pornography possession. His first court appearance is set for May 10.