United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force: NORWALK NURSE ARRESTED ON FEDERAL CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SIMPSON, age 50, (d.o.b. 9/13/53), of 19 Columbine Lane, Norwalk, Connecticut, was arrested early this morning at his residence by agents of the Connecticut Computer Crime Task Force and charged with possession of child pornography.

According to statements made in open court, the Government alleges that SIMPSON, a registered nurse practitioner in Connecticut, worked with a minor who was sick and whose father had recently died. SIMPSON served as a nurse for the child and befriended the family. The Government further alleges that during this time, SIMPSON performed oral sex on the victim and pressured him to engage in sexual acts with SIMPSON. As a result of these actions, SIMPSON has been charged in state court with multiple counts of sexual assault, sexual assault of a victim under the age of 16, and risk of injury to a minor.

On June 3, 2004, members of the Norwalk Police Department executed search and arrest warrants at SIMPSON's home and found on his computer and storage media multiple child pornographic images, as well as several video cassettes of child pornography. SIMPSON's computer and the other storage media he allegedly used are in the possession of the Task Force and are being analyzed.

"After examining the seized items, the federal government expects to bring additional charges against Mr. Simpson for receiving child pornography," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

In court proceedings this afternoon in Bridgeport, United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons ordered SIMPSON detained without bond. Since his arrest on the state charges, SIMPSON has purchased another computer. Judge Fitzsimmons directed the Task Force to seize and analyze that computer, as well.

If he is convicted of these federal charges, SIMPSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kari A. Dooley.

The Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force includes agents from the FBI, the United States Postal Service, the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Chief State's Attorney's Office, Defense Criminal Investigation Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, United States Secret Service, and detectives from the Glastonbury, New Britain, Milford and New Haven Police Departments.

The Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force was formed in February 2003 to investigate crimes occurring over the internet. These crimes include computer intrusion, internet fraud, copyright violations, internet threats and harassment and on-line crimes against children. The Task Force also provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies. The Task Force is housed in the main FBI office in New Haven, Connecticut. For more information about the Task Force, please contact the FBI at 203-777-6311 or via e-mail at ifcc.nh@fbi.gov.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov