Man charged with possession of child pornography on computer

SAN JOSE >> A city of Campbell maintenance worker appeared in federal court Tuesday to face child pornography possession charges, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Brian Risso, 61, of San Jose is charged with a single count of possession of child pornography. He is alleged to have possessed 513 images and 29 videos of child pornography on his personal Apple iMac, according to a criminal complaint filed last month.

The complaint also alleges that roughly 233,000 “manifest keys” for an online file-sharing program were found on the computer. The keys were linked to files with names that suggest the keys allowed for access to child pornography, authorities said.

If convicted of the count, Risso faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

On Feb. 15, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents served a search warrant at Risso's residence and seized the computer. According to the complaint, Risso said authorities “probably” would find illegal files on the computer.

“What are we going to find on your computer?” FBI Special Agent Benjamin Burnheimer asked Risso in an interview.

“Yes, pretty bad (expletive),” Risso replied. “No excuses, I don't know why. There's a little bit of everything on there.”

Risso told Burnheimer he started downloading child pornography more than seven years ago, according to the complaint. In addition, he said he was a maintenance worker for the city of Campbell and had an office in a building that also houses a preschool.

“That's the paradox,” Risso told Burnheimer. “I see, like some kids walking around and I go, God, you know, what was I, why was I looking at this? I don't know. It's one for the books.”

Risso was arrested Feb. 18. He was released on bond Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in court March 15 to address further issues regarding his release from custody.