HSI Douglas Seeks Help Identifying Victims of Arizona Man Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers with the Pima Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify potential victims of a Pima man arrested June 10 for charges related to sexual exploitation of children and related offenses.

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Virgil Leroy Smith, of Pima, 85, made his initial appearance at Justice Court in Graham County, Arizona, June 11. Smith was given a $250,000 bond by the court and faces 10 counts of exploitation of a minor.

In November 2021, the Human Exploitation and Trafficking group with HSI Douglas received an Internet Crimes Against Child tip concerning an IP address in southeastern Arizona that was actively downloading files containing child sexual abuse material. Special agents determined that the IP address was assigned to Smith’s residence.

In March 2022, HSI executed a residential search warrant and removed computers and other electronic devices from Smith’s residence to be forensically examined. Forensic analysis of the devices determined that he downloaded and stored files containing child sexual abuse material.

On June 10, HSI Douglas, with the assistance of the Graham County Sherriff’s Office and the Pima Police Department, arrested Smith in Pima for sexual exploitation of a minor.

Anyone who may have had contact with Smith or thinks they may have information that may be relevant to the child exploitation investigation should call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP. From outside the United States and Canada, dial 802-872-6199. Highly trained specialists take reports from the public, victims and law enforcement agencies related to laws enforced by HSI. You may remain anonymous.

The defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

HSI is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation. Last year, HSI special agents dedicated 1.2 million case hours toward investigating child exploitation. This heinous crime harms the most vulnerable in our society: our kids. As technology evolves and more people have access to the internet, children are at a greater risk than ever. HSI’s special agents and analysts around the world are dedicated to countering this threat.