Docs: Parole officer used Kik account to receive sexually explicit photos of minor

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A parole officer is under investigation for allegedly having child pornography in his possession.

Last week, the Bloomington Police Department brought 34-year-old Stephen Walker into custody on the preliminary charge of possession of child pornography, which is a Level 5 felony.

According to previous reports, the department said an investigation was conducted earlier this year in Boston related to a different individual. Investigators later found that Walker had been allegedly soliciting and disseminating child porn online.

Troubling allegations

Court documents have now shed new light on these allegations and how Walker became a suspect in the child pornography investigation.

In February, the Boston Massachusetts FBI Division launched a criminal investigation into a male suspect they believed was using Kik to possess and distribute files containing child sex abuse material.

Investigators soon uncovered evidence that the initial suspect had obtained several nude images of a 13-year-old that she had reportedly taken of herself. Subsequent search warrants found that this suspect was reportedly sharing these files with another user on Kik with the user name “captainamerica250.”

The two Kik users allegedly exchanged hundreds of messages between Feb. 10 and Feb. 14. Several of these messages discussed sexually explicit topics, with the “captainamerica250” user allegedly describing how he would sexually assault the minor featured in the photos.

Detectives then submitted an administrative subpoena to Kik, which led them to a personal email account and IP address they determined belonged to Walker. The results revealed that Walker had allegedly used and accessed the listed IP address on the corresponding dates, leading investigators to conclude that he had been communicating with the suspect based in Massachusetts.

The investigation led detectives to Walker’s residence in the 1600 block of S. Pecan Lane in Bloomington. On Oct. 2, officers conducted a traffic stop and detained Walker. When the officer questioned Walker about his online activities, court documents show he initially denied having any knowledge.

As the police interview continued, Walker reportedly admitted that the Kik account with the user name “captainamerica250” was his and that the email address also belonged to him. Court documents detailed that Walker stopped speaking when he was asked why he was “conducting this activity.”

Investigators also executed a search warrant on Walker’s vehicle and home, where they seized multiple electronic devices. He was then placed under arrest and brought to the Monroe County Jail, where he remains incarcerated.

Next steps

Bloomington city officials told FOX59/CBS4 that Walker has been removed from the Bloomington Board of Public Safety. Officials said Walker served three months on the board.

Online court records from Monroe Circuit Court 2 show that Walker posted bail on Oct. 3 and was scheduled to appear for an initial hearing in the case on Wednesday afternoon. His bond was set at $5,000 surety and $500 cash.