Show-Me State Times

A man from Webster Groves, Missouri, has admitted to possessing a significant amount of child sexual abuse material. Joseph J. Fitzsimmons, aged 76, pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of child pornography on Monday.

In March 2023, Fitzsimmons moved into an assisted living facility in Webster Groves. While receiving help with his internet connection from an employee at the facility, two images containing child sexual abuse material were discovered. The employee then contacted the Webster Groves Police Department.

Following a court-approved search of Fitzsimmons' apartment, computers and other electronic devices were seized and examined by the St. Louis County Police Department. Authorities found 170,310 images and 11,410 videos containing child sexual abuse material on these devices. Additionally, they uncovered 16,780 computer-generated or animated images and 549 videos.

Fitzsimmons is scheduled for sentencing on March 4, 2025. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or both.

The investigation was conducted by the Webster Groves Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is handling the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. It aims to locate and prosecute individuals exploiting children via the Internet while also identifying and rescuing victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.