MELBOURNE, Florida -- The Chief Scientist
for Headquarters Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Air Force Base was arrested on charges relating to the
possession of child pornography following a cooperative investigation between agents from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and
the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Seventy-one-year-old
David O’Brien was taken into custody at his home located at 4095 Turtlemound Road in Melbourne, Florida and charged with 10 counts of Possession of
Child Pornography. He is being held at the Brevard County Jail on $250,000.00 bond.
The Sheriff’s Office SORT Unit received information that O'Brien was involved in the
distribution of child pornography. The investigation into this information led to the issuance of
a search warrant for O'Brien’s residence. Upon serving the search warrant, agents recovered
several computers from the residence. At the
present time, investigators say they have uncovered no information that O’brien committed any
crimes while on U.S. Air Force property.
"Our agents in coordination with the FBI and PAFB are to be
commended for a very thorough and timely investigation." Sheriff Wayne Ivey said in a statement. "Through their outstanding efforts,
an individual who actively participated in the exploitation of our children has been removed
from our communities. I applaud this partnership and the agencies involved who stand
between our most defenseless citizens and those who wish to harm them. Today's arrest
sends a strong message, that regardless of who you are, these Agents will investigate you
and put you in our jail if you take any action to harm a child!"