Navy SEAL Arrested on Child Porn, Molestation Charges

Gregory Seerden was being investigated on suspicion of rape
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 22, 2017 3:23 PM CDT
Navy SEAL Arrested on Child Porn, Molestation Charges
   (Getty Images/scanrail)

A Navy SEAL has been arrested after authorities say they found 78 images of apparent child pornography on his phone, including videos of the SEAL molesting a young girl while she slept, the Virginian-Pilot reports. According to the AP, Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Seerden was arrested April 3 in San Diego, where he is stationed, following a three-month investigation. The felony charges against the 31-year-old member of SEAL Team One weren't unsealed until this week. The investigation into Seerden started in January after a woman accused him of raping her while they were drinking on a Navy base in Virginia, the Los Angeles Times reports. The woman says she remembers telling Seerden to stop and informed a gate sentry about the alleged rape afterward.

Seerden has been charged with four felonies related to child pornography and child sex assault. He's facing a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. The images on Seerden's phone were discovered during the investigation into the alleged rape. Authorities say they include dozens of images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts, including one involving a dog. There are also four videos showing a man, allegedly Seerden, masturbating next to a sleeping child, who appears to be 5 or 6 years old, and touching her in a sexual way. Photos on the phone show Seerden reading a book to the girl and other children. An investigation into the alleged rape of the woman in January is ongoing, and no charges have been filed in that case. (More Navy SEALs stories.)

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