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A Houston Fire Department captain was arrested Friday on charges of possession of child pornography.
Ryan William Steckler, 36, allegedly altered pornographic images with a child’s face, and uploaded images of child porn, according to the probable cause statement detailing the charges. The statement says Steckler committed 10 counts of felony child pornography at his northwest Harris County home on May 23.
Houston police became aware of Steckler’s activities in January through a tip by the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. The username, email address, and IP address associated with 11 files digital files depicting child pornography all matched Steckler’s identification, the statement says.
Steckler’s attorney, Morgan Bourque, said the investigation is in its early stages.
“Before we jump to throw stones let’s take a step back and remember this man has a family and he is, like all those accused, presumed innocent,” Bourque said. “We want to ask the public to consider Mr. Steckler’s past and the contributions he’s made to our city and our country.”
Steckler is a veteran and has been working for the City of Houston for 14 years, Bourque said.
The Houston Fire Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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