Chad Joseph Caesar
U.S. Attorney Dena King said police found more than 50,000 images of child pornography and identified more than 250 victims. Some were infants. Chad Joseph Caesar, 39, of Hickory, was sentenced to 11 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release during U.S. District Court on Tuesday.
Caesar pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography on Dec. 6, 2023.
In February 2023, the Hickory Police Department was notified that Caesar’s computer was flagged by his employer for a security violation. Hickory police initiated an investigation, which led to a search of Caesar’s residence.
Law enforcement took Caesar’s electronic devices. A forensic analysis revealed that Caesar’s devices contained an extensive inventory of child pornography — more than 50,000 images and videos. The images and videos depicted sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers. There were also files that contained sadistic and masochistic conduct and bestiality according to a press release.
Court records showed Caesar’s collection of child pornography included images and videos of more than 250 victims who have been identified by name. Many of those identified victims submitted victim impact statements.
“When you read their letters they are forever abused,” U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell said. “They live in fear for the rest of their lives.”
Caesar will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until he is taken to a federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Hickory Police Department investigated the case.