BARTOW, Fla. — A social services worker in Polk County was arrested Friday for possessing child pornography.
Deputies say William Smith, 28, possessed and traded child pornography that included images of boys and girls between 5 and 12 years old.
Smith is a case manager for Youth and Family Alternatives Inc. Their website says they are, "committed to working in partnership with communities and our families to create a safe, nurturing environment for children."
“He’s a child counselor. That’s right, a child counselor," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "You know what else he does? He downloads child pornography."
When asked if Smith is considered a child predator, Judd said no.
“No, right now he’s just in possession of child pornography," Judd said.
However, Judd said the investigation is on-going.
“Was he talking to adults, or was he grooming children? That’s what’s still under investigation.”
Smith is currently facing 15 counts of child pornography.
Judd said detectives have not gone through the suspect's devices yet and they expect, "many many other," counts when they do.
Smith previously worked at Peace River in the crisis stabilization unit, Judd said.
