A former Tampa sergeant has been found guilty Thursday on 100 charges of possession of child pornography.
Paul Leo Mumford, 63, a former Tampa police sergeant,was convicted after a 3½-hour deliberation, according to TampaBay.com.
“It’s disappointing,” said his defense attorney, Chip Purcell. “But it’s one step in the process. We’ll start to work on the appeal.”
In 2015, Mumford wrapped up a stellar 29-year career with the Tampa Police Department. During the final 18 months, Mumford served as a sergeant in the sex crimes unit.
After retirement, Mumford served as a reserve officer for six years until he was relieved of duty in February 2022, according to Fox 13.
The Tampa Bay Police Department was informed of the illegal images found on an electronic device owned by Mumford in December 2021.
The uncovering of illicit images on Mumford’s hard drive came about when former Tampa police officer James Bowie, well-versed in technology, stumbled upon them. Mumford had sought Bowie’s expertise to inspect his malfunctioning hard drive.
While working on the hard drive, Bowie uncovered multiple images of child pornography.
Subsequently, following the issuance of a warrant for Mumford’s residence, authorities stumbled upon disturbing sexual narratives involving children on Mumford’s computer, with Mumford identified as the author.
Mumford told police that he was unaware of the pictures on the hard drive. He claimed in court that he did not write all the stories, but the ones he did write were a form of therapy due to “extreme sexual abuse” from “a pedophile ring throughout the state of Florida,” which he endured from the ages of 10 to 16.
Mumford’s sentencing was set by Hillsborough Circuit Judge Samantha Ward for March. It is unclear how much time Mumford may receive, but each individual charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
[Feature Photo via Tampa Bay Police]
