Man reindicted for 2021 child porn

TYLER — A Tyler man has recently been reindicted by the state on 10 counts of possession of child pornography, for which he was first served with in 2021. According to our news partner KETK, In a Smith County arrest affidavit from 2021, a Texas Department of Public Safety special agent developed probable cause that an IP address in Smith County possessed and distributed child pornography.

The investigation found that several electronic devices that were connected to the IP address had a peer-to-peer file sharing software. The IP address was registered to a residence where Eddie Willis lived and a search warrant was obtained from the county judge.

On July 22, 2021, the special agent served the search warrant on Scenic Drive and seized three electronic devices from the home where Willis, his wife and their grandson. During an on-scene interview, Willis admitted to using the software on the home computer for downloading videos, “but would not admit to downloading child pornography,” the affidavit said.

Another search warrant was obtained for the digital evidence seized. After analyzing the digital evidence, the special agent determined that a total of 1,110 images of child pornography were found on two of the electronics, including a family computer.

Willis was charged with possession of child pornography, but the charges were dismissed in 2022 “for lack of evidence,” according to the Smith County District Clerk’s office.

In April, however, a Smith County grand jury reindicted Willis with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for May 18.