MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis daycare worker is charged with possession of child pornography after tips to a national organization led investigators to recover more than 1,200 images and videos on his phone.
Court documents detail the allegations against 39-year-old Eric Phillip Allen. He was charged Wednesday with a single count of felony possession of child pornography in Hennepin County District Court.
A search warrant application reveals an initial tip came in to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children saying more than 500 files of child abuse material were linked to a cell phone, and the phone number was found to be associated with Allen. The case was assigned to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which assigned a special agent to the case.
That agent executed a search warrant Monday that recovered more than 1,200 images and videos from Allen's phone. Among the files recovered are videos allegedly of a man engaged in sexual activity with prepubescent girls. Attached to the warrant application is a receipt for a cell phone and an additional electronic device that were taken into evidence.
In the criminal complaint issued against Allen, prosecutors say the defendant told investigators he was employed by a daycare located at a Minneapolis church and has worked there for over a year. He allegedly admitted to having pictures of girls from the daycare on his phone, which were taken while the children were in the bathroom. He reportedly provided the names of victims to authorities.
When asked by the BCA agent questioning him if there were images of young children on his phone, Allen responded, “You’ll probably find ‘em.”
BCA officials say they are attempting to identify additional victims so their parents can be notified. The daycare facility is reportedly cooperating with the investigation.
KARE 11 spoke to an employee Wednesday afternoon, who said the facility is not commenting on the case. The employee then gave reporters a copy of the BCA press release, which they already had.
The childcare center's website says fall enrollment for toddler and preschool rooms is full.
"Our loving, dedicated staff offers stability through their longevity, as most have been with us for over three years," the page reads.
If convicted, Allen could spend a maximum of five years in prison and/or $5,000, plus a conditional release term. Arrest records show he was released from Hennepin County Jail Wednesday morning but was back by the afternoon. The BCA says additional charges may be added.
Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact BCA predatory crimes agents at 651-793-7000.