Lakeland counselor held on child porn charges

A social service worker was arrested Friday by detectives for trading and possessing child pornography, according to the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office.

William Lee Smith, 28, of Bartow, was charged with 15 counts of possession of child pornography.

Smith admitted to trading child porn on various social media platforms including Dropbox,

Kik,

Snapchat and Tumblr, according to a summary of his recorded interview.

Smith told detectives he had been viewing child porn for about three to five years.

Smith used Tumblr, a blogging platform, to trade Smith and discuss lewd images and videos of children with other users, according to arrest affidavits. A review of Smith’s exchanged messages indicated he had an interest in young children, per the affidavits.

The blog, along with Smith’s account, was deactivated by Tumblr on Dec. 6.

After a tip regarding Smith’s online behavior was submitted to PCSO, it was discovered Smith worked as a counselor for Youth & Family Alternatives, Inc. in Lakeland, affidavits show. YFA is a private not-forprofit program that provides social services to children and families in Florida, according to its official website.

Smith told detectives he knows his actions were illegal and that he needs help with his addiction, according to the summary.

Smith is being held without bond at the Polk County Jail.

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