Robert Strand Interrogation: Child Sex Abuse Material Found on Deputy's Devices

Investigation into Robert Strand

• 🚨 A deputy with the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office, Robert Strand, was investigated starting May 24, 2022, after a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
• 📱 Investigators received tips that someone in New Mexico was downloading explicit material, leading to the seizure of 92 images and GIFs from Strand's electronic devices.
• 👶 The victims in the material ranged from under one to 13 years of age.

Strand's Interrogation and Explanation

• 🗣️ Special Agent Clarence Gibson and Special Agent in Charge Chris Gibson conducted the interrogation, informing Strand of his rights and obtaining a waiver.
• ☁️ Strand explained that the images were downloaded from the internet and backed up via a service called Synchronos, which is a backup service for Verizon.
• ⚠️ He claimed that he deleted the images immediately after realizing they were child exploitation material, stating he was often intoxicated when this occurred.

Forensic Examination and Legal Process

• 🔬 A search warrant was executed for Strand's residence and electronic devices, including his personal and work phones.
• 💻 Strand provided access to his devices and a safe, asserting that nothing incriminating would be found.
• ⚖️ The investigators explained that the phones would undergo a full forensic examination, and the findings would be compared to Strand's statement before being sent to prosecutors.
• ❓ The outcome of the case is uncertain, with the video noting that Strand was indicted but the final resolution is unknown.