Authorities executed a search warrant in response to allegations involving the possession of illegal images.
On April 4 at approximately 3:15 p.m., the Knoxville Police Department, along with a special agent from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, executed a search warrant in the 900 block of N. Kent in Knoxville.
Authorities were investigating allegations involving David Stephenson, 72, of Knoxville, who was believed to be in possession of child pornography. During the search, multiple electronic devices were seized from the residence.
According to court documents, a preliminary review of Stephenson’s cellphones revealed two images of a minor female depicted in a nude and sexually explicit manner. Investigators say Stephenson initially denied having any child pornography on his devices. However, after being taken into custody, he told officers that he was not aware the images were present.
Court records also indicate that Stephenson is a registered Tier 3 sex offender.
Following the investigation, Stephenson was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. He was later released on a $10,000 cash or surety bond.
He is currently facing two counts of possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act, both Class D felonies. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 9, and the case remains under investigation.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
