Todd Chism exonerated in child pornography case
May 1st, 2008 by Administrator
Taken from the KHQ Web site:
STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. - According to a statement from the Steven’s County Prosecutor’s office, Todd Chism, the firefighter investigated for the possession of child pornography, will not be charged by that office.
During a Tuesday press conference, Washington State Patrol reaffirmed the fact that no evidence of child pornography has been linked to Chism. WSP also said they were unable to identify where the child porn purchased with Chism’s credit card was downloaded to and who downloaded it.
The Washington State Patrol acknowledged that child pornography cases are not “black and white,” and believe they conducted the investigation properly characterizing it as “an unfortunate chain of events.”
KHQ also learned that the officer in charge of the task force conducting the investigation was removed from that task force and reassigned due to his “performance.”
Todd Chism was exonerated because investigators failed to find any evidence he possessed child pornography. Was Chism treated fairly? Or was he unfairly persecuted?
The 41-year-old Spokane City Fire Lieutenant Todd Chism was arrested January 29th for possession of child pornography. Washington State Patrol detectives made the arrest and searched the Chisms’ Stevens County home, seizing their computer among other evidence.
Since his arrest, WSP Spokesperson Bob Calkins has said no child pornography has been found after examining Chism’s work computer.
An independent examination of Chism’s home computer in March also determined that there was no evidence of child porn on that computers hard drive.
This is a statement that KHQ received from the Stevens County Prosecutor’s office:
Statement re: Todd Chism
After a careful review of the investigative material in the matter involving Todd Chism, this office finds no evidence on which to base any charges against him involving possession of child pornography. The investigative information in regard to any other crimes was conflicting and in view of the overall circumstances of this case, will not be the basis of any criminal charges.
Persons involved in trafficking in child pornography are sometimes highly skilled in masking the locations of the sellers and the purchasers of the material. Hackers can install “proxy” software on a computer and it can be made to appear that persons are involved in the trade who are in reality totally innocent. There is evidence that Todd Chism’s credit card information was accessed by an unknown third at some time, and this card information was then used to purchase child pornography. The forensic examination of the computers obtained from his home in Stevens County did not produce any evidence that child pornography images had been downloaded. There were no child pornography images in media of any kind seized during the search of his home.
Child pornography and the exploitation of children that produces it, is one of the most heinous crimes that Law Enforcement authorities pursue. It deserves our attention because it damages our most innocent citizens and is related to human trafficking and child slavery. It is easily available through the Internet, but the investigations are difficult because of the anonymous nature of the Internet itself and the fact that our laws are several years behind the times. Criminals and persons who abuse and exploit children for profit take advantage of the anonymous characteristics of the Internet to market the images. Law enforcement agencies must try to investigate these crimes using procedural methods that were never designed to cope with the sophisticated nature of cyber crimes.
All citizens should applaud the efforts of the Washington State Investigative task force for their zeal and desire to pursue the persons who commit such crimes. We regret that in this case, the investigation became focused on a person who the evidence, after full analysis, does not show was involved in this heinous trade.
Posted in News Reports |
May 1st, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I find the video press conference by the WSP a complete load of garbage. I find it completely annoying that the man puts forth a load of techno garbage that most people won’t even understand - which only makes them look like they acted correctly when they didn’t. Proxy servers, IP addresses and the like have been used for YEARS - this is not new and is something they should have known about and adjusted their investigation accordingly. I would find it more refreshing if they would simply admit they were wrong but they appear to CONTINUE to do a CYA. Disappointing.
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
My heart goes out to you, Todd * and your entire family. What has been done to you all by a “wannabe” cop is totally wrong, unexcusable and unforgiveable to say the least.
I can not for the life of me understand when the computers did not show nothing, when fraud was done with your credit cards–that these tunnel vision suppose to be educated people could not see the hand writting on the wall. These investigation should have been all done before and news releases were ever typed up let alone given out.
I understand no amount of money will ever fix the horrible wrong you all have endured–but I hope you sue the pants off them and I hope after this awful ordeal our state congress people will take a good hard look at this and set some very stiff guidelines that must be followed before any information is let out to the media that dwells on this horrible crap!!!
I wish you and your family the best of luck and welcome back. Hold your head high as you have nothing to be ashamed of in the least.
*name edited by admin
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
To me, any damage to your reputation is partially the fault of WSP for a lame excuse of a case, but largely the responsibility of the mass media making sensational “news” stories out of unfounded accusations, which are not newsworthy. I have long been irritated by newspaper or TV news when they report that someone is suspected or accused of a crime, especially when I miss the follow-up stories about it. To me, names should be withheld until a confession or a guilty verdict is entered, as there is no public benefit commensurate with the harm done to innocent people like you and your family due to this policy of senseless publicity.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Administrator,
I completely agree with your comment regarding the IP addresses and proxy servers. Is there not ANYONE employed with the WSP who’s trained as a CIC? I retired from the State a few years ago and our CIC’s were all up to date on how to track things down–it certainly didn’t take them months to see what was on someone’s computer!
When I first listened to the garbage they put forth, I couldn’t believe what came out of their mouths! I did take some joy out of watching DeVere squirm like the vermin he is but when all was said and done, it made me sick to know that this was their idea of justice served.
You are also correct that the everyday person would not understand their mumbo jumbo and I sincerely hope it comes back to bite them in the rear!
Thank you for your excellent work!
Marcia
May 4th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
As a member of the greater Nine Mile Falls neighborhood I would like to thank Prosecuting Attorney Tim Rasmussen of Stevens County for completely clearing the Chism family of any and all wrong doing. In making this decision Tim Rasmussen proved himself to be a man of virtue, descentcy, and compassion, rather than a politician. I know a lot of people are upset with Tim Rasmussen’s final statement but everyone needs to keep in mind that he is a part of the law enforcement community and for him to go completely against the grain would have been career suicide.
As for DeVere and the other Nazi Brownshirts within the WSP there will have to be some accountability for their complete and total lack of officer professionalism. Allowing the WSP to walk away from this matter unscathed would send a signal that further violations of others civil rights will be nothing more than shrugged off. A lawsuit is in order and disciplinary action up to and including termination of various officers involved in the case will be necessary. I know that Todd Chism will do the right thing and protect us all by demanding full accountability.
Ty Dorland
May 5th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Todd and Nic, I just found out about this last night(man am I out of touch). My son Tyler and I were watching T.V. together, all of a sudden, there’s Todd doing his press conference. I couldn’t believe my ears, then I said to my son, I’ve known that guy since high school, there is no way he would ever be involved in any B.S. like that. Todd your one of the most respectable people I have ever known and I have always admired you. The people involved in bringing these charges against you don’t possess a fraction of the decency and integrity that you do. Iam sorry for everything you, Nicole and the kids have had to go through. Nicole, your words are painfully accurate. How do you tell your children to trust law enforcement when they are this inept. I will try to call you guys, sorry I haven’t done sooner. We get busy raising our children and doing life, sometimes it takes something like this to slap us awake so we remember how important good friends are.
God Bless you guys, don’t ever change who you are.
Brian
May 5th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Noone can imagine what they went through unless it has happened to them - I agree. It is their decision to do what they feel is best for them and their family. I can only say based on how and what the WSP has said thus far, they will want to settle out of court without admitting any wrongdoing, so be prepared for the battle and possibly a lengthy one of several years as you know they will fight it tooth and nail, and of course make sure that your attorney gets to write the statement that must be read from WSP!
One part of the journey has ended and another one begins.
At least you know you are blessed in the support you received in family and friends because true friends show support in a time of crisis. You know who has your back and then some! Good job at the press conference, you both are truly strong people even if at times you felt like crumbling - you stuck with your inner strength and each other!
May 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Read Doug Clark’s column in today’s SR.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/local/story.asp?ID=242934&page=all
May 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Todd and Nic
I have been keeping up on this entire tragedy with my friend (and yours) Tara and Blake. I can’t express to you how sorry I am that you’ve had to endure something like this. Your press conference was handled very well - be proud! Life can deal some pretty crappy cards and I am so happy for you and your family to be able to begin to move forward in your lives. We’ll hope to see you at the next pool party or out at the lake this summer! Take care and get some rest (finally!)
Daneka & Jeff Keith
May 5th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I want to offer some thoughts on this unfortunate matter from a couple perpsectives.
From an Amber Alert incident: I am not surprised that WSP would proceed in a rather reckelss manner. On July 5, 2007 I drove from Ocean Shores to Seattle — about 120 miles — and repeatedly read Washington State highway signs that an Amber Alert was in progress. (The Zinna Linnick case, Tacoma.) Rather than put up the details of the alert, the signs referred folks to local radio stations. I was unable to obtain any details from any radio station during my 120 drive. To make a long story short, I wrote to the entire Washington State legislature about the 1) lack of details and 2) the way WA-DOT and WSP kept pointing the finger at each other on who was responsible for the lack of details. In a joint message from DOT (Steve Reinmuth) and WSP (Captain Jeff DeVere) it was revealed that the lack of details was per joint policy of WA-DOT and WSP. The State had some interesting, but flawed, logic. Even though there was NO detail on the signs, the state contends information was not withheld: “The decision to post only complete license plate information is in no way withholding information.” They also contend that referring people to local radio stations is more efficient: ” . . . past law enforcement experience has proven that we ensure the greatest chance of finding kids, during critical minutes, by referring drivers to local radio stations to get the limited information that is available and avoiding a flood of erroneous information calls to 911 operators based on confusing partial AMBER Alert information. Drivers can listen to the incomplete information as they drive on the radio, instead of trying to decipher signs with incomplete information while driving at freeway speeds.” If the minutes are critical, then why not provide the available information on the signs where thousands of drivers can see it to generate leads in a timely manner? My take: WSP, which would get the majority of 911 calls from drivers on state highways, doesn’t want to be bothered with the workload. The State’s response also said “We will be contacting Mr. Miller to be sure that we have answered all of his questions and explained the AMBER Alert system thoroughly.” The implication is that I don’t unerstand the Amber Alert system, yet it was Reinmuth who consistently used the word “missing” rather than “abducted.” Capt. DeVere offered a meeting with me over the matter. I agreed, as long as the meeting was public. WSP has yet to have this public discussion.
Regarding DeVere’s statement on 29 April 2008 per the video I am able to see on KXLY.
– Note that DeVere repeatedly refers to “the Chisms”. Not once does he say “Todd Chism.” So, even though they arrested only Todd Chism, DeVere avoids mentioning his name.
– Within 60 seconds DeVere is patting the task force on the back as protecting the “most vulnerable people in our society.” See my comments about the Amert Alert strategy of protecting our most vulnerable.
– DeVere said: “The detectives were aware of fraud on the Chism’s credit card.” The fact that they knew this and proceeded without more investigation before any arrest reflects sloppy work. Those of us who work in the online world can attest that crooks will repeatedly exploit the same victim over and over again. With the knowledge that a) there had been no previous purchases of child porn with the previous cards along with b) previous fraud, it is simply short-sighted thinking for WSP to rush to judgement that Todd Chism was the culprit. I suspect many of us don’t review our credit cards thoroughly each month. In this context WSP should have considered identity theft first before rushing to judgement about Todd Chism. Then, when you add the fact that he was not the only person who uses the credit card account, you come up with gender bias in the investigation rather than something based on fact.
– DeVere said: “They were unable to determine where the purchase of this child pornography went via the web.” This reflects short-sighted thinking. The “web” is only one of 300 or more protocols used on the Internet for moving data around.
– DeVere said: “What we found out was was that the download went to what’s called a proxy server. That this proxy server was an innocent person’s computer that was left on and the criminals were using this computer to take the child pornography.” This could have been established before an arrest of Todd Chism, which should have suggested more caution before throwing a family into turmoil.
– DeVere said: “We’ve done a [sic] exhaustive fraud or identify theft case into the purchase of the Chism’s credit card and we’ve been able to determine who exactly did that.” This could have been determined before an arrest of Todd Chism.
In short, WSP ignored red flags that should have required deeper investigation BEFORE throwing a family into turmoil and tarnishing someone’s reputation. WSP should consider the effects of false allegations just as much as it considers the effects of the actual crimes.
Also note: Even though WSP concluded that fraud and identity theft was involved, they apparently did not recommend the withdrawal of charges. Why? WSP does not want to be on record suggesting that it made an error. Such an admission of error could be used against WSP in a lawsuit Hence, the posturing that they acted in “good faith”.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Hey heavy hitter, great press conference! Sorry your engine couldn’t show its support in person, was told no. I know you guys still have a long road ahead, but hopefully the weight will be lifted a little. Can’t wait to see you back at work, your crew needs supervision!
May 5th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I think The gentleman who was wrongfully accused of rape should also sue the pants off of his accusers. I know it ends up coming out of the taxpayers pocket in the end, but the bottom line is, enough is enough… If they DON’T get the bejeezus beat out of them in the courts, They will do this again and again and again. Here is one classic piece of proof. For far too long, they have been far too big for their own britches. Maybe if they had been called on this type of bad behavior before, they would not have gone in this manner and destroyed These peoples lives.
Yes, huge lawsuit wins will end up coming out of everyone’s pocket. But it will also either make these depts change their ways, or it will make the public outrage far moreso and people will finally start taking action in their voting and finally get these gistapos out of office!
I am poor, but I beg you guys… PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE sue the living hell out of them, for if no other reason than to try to prevent this type of catastrophe from happening to the next family!
May 5th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
There is nothing sweeter than to see dirty cops up to their necks in s**t. They need to be held accountable for their actions more often. Congratulations Todd, Nic, and kids. Now today you can finally start to move forward with your life, and watch these cowards move further backwards. I bet they are all at home asking themselves, what were we thinking? Probably not though. They are obviously not smart. Make them pay. STAND UP.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
THE POWER OF PRAYER, SUPPORT, AND THE TRUTH.. HAS COME THROUGH FOR THE CHISM FAMILY.
I PRAY YOU CONTINUE TO MEND FROM THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY IN YOUR LIFES. STAND TALL, AND PROUD, YOU WERE INNOCENT.. AND THEY WERE GUILTY.. OF DESTROYING LIFES, WITH THEIR FALSE REPORTS, AND THEIR WSP EGO ENFORCEMENT, WELL THE POWER IS GONE, AND NOW, THEY WILL NEED THE POWER OF GOD, TO HELP THEM THROUGH THIS FIRE STORM THEY STARTED. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL, GET THE JUSTICE YOU SO WELL DESERVE. ITS ABOUT WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND, WITH ALL THE CONTINUED PRAYERS. GOOD LUCK. TAKE CARE. CATHY
May 5th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
We are disgusted by what has happened to you and your family and have believed in your innocence since we heard this on the news. Honestly Todd, this happens all the time in our judicial system, not only to someone like yourself but to people who are not as high profile as you (including the “crackheads” as someone previously posted) and we hope you take this bad and turn it into something good. We look forward to seeing and working with you again for all of our future real estate needs.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Todd, Nic, Taylor and Colton,
Just want to let you guys know that we are thinking about you and have been praying for you during this terrible time. I know you are both strong and will rise above this. Keep your heads held up high and a smile on your face. Love ya!! Scott, Angie and Berlyn
May 8th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Last night I was reminded of Mike Nifong and what he did to the Duke Lacrosse players. He attempted to prosecute them for rape and he, himself, was taken down by his own actions. My prayer is that the same thing will happen to the top heads of the WSP and any other entity that had a part in what happened to Todd and his family. What they did was criminal and they need to pay…literally!
Marcia
May 17th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Dear Todd and Nicole,
I understand that there’s possibly arrangements being worked out with you and your attorney for the Dory Monson show (710 KIRO Radio). Please let us know well beforehand so we can tune in! We all understand the importance of not tipping your hand–that’s YOUR call but are so looking to listening. We are all so proud of the way you and your attorney conducted the news conference and we know that if things can be worked out to do the KIRO interview we’ll feel that same glowing pride.
You are still very much in our prayers and thoughts! We are looking forward to those who hurt you getting their full recompense.
God bless you!
Love, Auntie Marcia
May 30th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Todd Chism has every right and reason to sue but the money will come out of the tax payer’s pockets. The WSP and the prosecutor will sit back and laugh. It would be better if they all line up on the court house steps at noon and kiss Mr. Chisms butt. Then they should be fired.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
A man has nothing without honor. They messed with the wrong dude.W.S.P Got $$$$$$ Thought I would put my 2 cents in.You will win the fight.You always do.Good luck from a guy from the old neighborhood.