SALT LAKE CITY, UT (ABC 4 News) - A Cottonwood Heights man is accused of possessing child pornography on his laptop as he flew on a Delta flight to Boston. A passenger on flight 270 noticed the sexually explicit images of children and alerted the flight attendants.
47-year-old Grant D. Smith was arrested moments after the plane landed.
Massachusetts State Police were waiting for Smith at the terminal. Officers asked to view his laptop. He handed it over, and what they discovered was truly disturbing.
David Procopio, a spokesperson with the state police, released the following statement, "child pornography is a form of child sexual abuse, nothing less. Those who possess it- a crime unto itself- foster an evil network that sexually abuses and exploits children irreparably."
Wendy Murphy, a victim's advocate, is concerned for Smith's children. He is a father of two. “What we have is the equivalent of a confession. Someone who not only sees it, but is smart enough to take a picture of it is very solid evidence. Reporting it immediately to law enforcement, law enforcement then being able to do their own immediate investigation -- that's a very strong case -- at least at this point," Murphy said.
Smith is not a regular Joe Schmo. ABC 4i found out he is a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Utah. A campus spokesperson said Smith's case is being looked into, and if he was indeed on a university trip he will face disciplinary action.
A materials research convention was held in Boston over the weekend, which may have been the reason for smith's visit.
Engineering students like Ulises Espinoza are shocked. “Especially child porn. It's crazy and stupid for this guy,” commented Espinoza.
Espinoza said if prosecutors find Smith guilty, he shouldn't work at the "U" anymore. “School wise get fired or something, especially since there are young kids here,” he added.
