MCSO: Sarasota Child Porn Suspect Smashed Computer During Search

Robert Alexander Johnson, 43, 3700 block of 75th Terrace East, Sarasota, was charged with resisting arrest and tampering with evidence after he allegedly kept deputies waiting outside while he destroyed his computer and hid the hard drive in the lint compartment of his dryer.

Johnson is the primary suspect in and ongoing MCSO investigation regarding possession of images of child pornography and the production of child pornography, a report states.

MCSO detectives arrived at Johnson’s home around 8:45 in the morning to confiscate any evidence that could prove their case, according to the report. They reportedly told Johnson that they were there to investigate a “Wi-Fi internet theft,” and asked him if he had computers in the home, if anyone else had access and if his connection was "password protected." 

According to the report, Johnson told the detectives he had to put his dogs up before the detectives could enter his home. As the detectives waited for outside, they reportedly heard loud banging noises coming from the garage.

When detectives finally gained entry, they found Johnson’s laptop computer completely smashed. Johnson told them his girlfriend had broken it months ago when she found out he and a 16-year-old male had been exchanging naked photographs, the report said. Johnson said he stopped contacting the boy when he found out he was only 16, the report states. 

When probed further by the detectives, Johnson said his girlfriend had done some damage, but admitted to finishing the computer off while the detectives where standing outside.

Johnson had also removed and attempted to destroy the hard drive from the laptop, and hid it in the lint vent inside the dryer, a report stated. He had smashed an SD card, as well, and threw the pieces in the toilet.

He was taken to the Manatee County Jail and released the same day on a $2,000 bond.