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U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation


In Reply, Please Refer to Release No. 219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604

 

 

March 21, 2002

Justice Man Charged in Operation Candyman

Thomas J. Kneir, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today the arrest of PHILIP KASZYNSKI, age 35, of 7310 Blackstone in Justice, Illinois. KASZYNSKI was arrested by FBI Agents and officers of the Palos Heights, Illinois Police Department last night, without incident, at a residence on Chicago's southwest side.

KASZYNSKI has been charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago with one count of possession of child pornography, which is a felony offense. According to the complaint, KASZYNSKI is alleged to have been a regular visitor to the "Candyman" website, which was used by adults to collect and distribute child pornography "on-line", until the website was shut down in early 2001.

Following investigation by the Chicago FBI and local authorities, KASZYNSKI was identified as a possible collector of child pornographic items. According to the complaint, he has received and distributed hundreds of such images, during the past several years. These items are believed to have been stored on his personal computer and floppy discs, which were seized from his residence.

KASZYNSKI, who was employed as a case worker for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in Chicago, is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sidney Schenkier, later today.

In making this announcement, SAC Kneir wants to thank the Palos Heights and Justice, Illinois Police Departments for their invaluable assistance in this investigation.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of the complaint filed against KASZYNSKI is available from the Chicago FBI Press Office at (312) 786-2645.




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