Healthcare Executive Charged with Producing Child Pornography

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Jacob Walden, a 38-year-old healthcare executive and father of five, has been charged with producing child pornography involving several minors in Long Island, New York. Walden, who is a co-owner of Emerald Healthcare, was arrested on July 31, 2024, and has since been remanded to a federal jail.

According to prosecutors, Walden enticed teen girls aged 16 and 17 to engage in sexually explicit activities online, encouraging them to send him photos and videos in exchange for payment. He is accused of purchasing over 500 images and thousands of child sexual abuse videos from various networks.

In view of his charges, which include sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography, Walden entered a not-guilty plea during his arraignment at Central Islip Federal Court. U.S. Attorney John Durham emphasized the importance of protecting children from predators and stated that this case is a priority for his office.

Following his initial arrest, Walden was placed under home confinement but violated the terms of his release by interacting with others inappropriately. He is currently detained without bail and deemed a potential risk of escape, with his next court date scheduled for February 24, 2025. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

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