JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 64-year-old man known as "grandpa" in the Orange Park neighborhood where 7-year-old Somer Thompson was abducted and killed last October appeared in federal court Thursday on two counts involving child pornography.
Clay County deputies said they came across pornographic images on Charlie Watkins' computer during the door-to-door search for Somer, but he is not facing any charges in connection with the girl's disappearance or slaying.
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Although investigators said Watkins regularly invited children into his house to use his computer, there are no allegations of any inappropriate behavior with those children. They said Watkins was cooperative during the investigation and they do not believe he was involved in Somer's death.
Walker is charged with one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possession child pornography and faces 5 to 20 years in prison if convicted.
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Walker's attorney, Mark Barnett, said the only reason there was pornography on his client's computer was that he heard pornography might be involved in Somer's disappearance, so he downloaded some child porn, then immediately deleted them.
"First, they came to him and asked if he knew anything and asked for help," Barnett said. "Then they met back with him again and was looking on the Internet for stuff and he told them, 'I was looking for stuff,' and police said, 'Maybe there is something on your computer that could help us. Will you turn it over to us?' He said yes."
The indictment shows that the child pornography found on Walker's computer was downloaded in September, a couple of weeks before Somer disappeared.
Barnett told Channel 4's Jim Piggott that Walker knew Somer was actually helping authorities search for her.
"He 100 percent completely, voluntarily handed over his computer," Barnett said. "He told him it could help solve the crime. He was glad to help. "
Barnett said it is likely Somer was in Walker's home at some point because, "the grand kids and all of their friends would come over."
After a brief hearing on the pornography charges, bond was set at $20,000. The judge stipulated that if released, Watkins have no contact with any children -- including his grandchildren -- and will not be allowed to use a computer.