A Northwood, N.D., man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of child ponography posession.
James Gilbert Smith, 36, has been charged with three counts of possession of prohibited materials, a Class C felony. Each count is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Investigators with the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Smith's home to examine any computer files that might contain at about 9:15 a.m. Thursday, according to an affidavit.
Officers were told by Smith's wife that he was at work. An investigator went to the Grand Forks Airport, where Smith works for UND Aerospace in the wash bay. Smith was interviewed by an investigator and turned over his cell phone.
"Several images of child pornography" were found on the phone, according to the affidavit.
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Investigators say Smith admitted to downloading the images on his phone.
Smith made his initial court appearance Friday afternoon. His next hearing is scheduled for June 21. He has not yet been assigned or retained a lawyer.
