Arizona firefighter accused of recording child pornography at home

CASA GRANDE, AZ (AZFamily) — A south Valley firefighter faces multiple charges after federal investigators say he recorded child pornography at his home and learned about it after downloading thousands of files over the summer.

According to court documents, Agustin Julian “AJ” Sauceda, who works as a battalion chief at Eloy Fire Districtdownloaded child pornography from a peer-to-peer network since June 1.

Special agents said there were downloads in July, August and September.

One of the videos included a young child victim, investigators said.

The videos and photos were captured between May and December 2022, authorities said.

On Wednesday, law enforcement officers searched Sauceda’s Casa Grande home and truck and seized nearly two dozen electronic devices.

A cell phone had more than 2,800 photos and videos of a naked girl in a bathroom at Sauceda’s home, court documents said.

Law enforcement officials also said they found a pinhole camera in the home.

Sauceda declined to speak with agents after his arrest. He is accused of producing, distributing and possessing child pornography.

Officials said Sauceda has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

“The Eloy Fire District is committed to transparency and accountability to the public, as well as fair and equitable treatment of its valued employees,” officials said in a written statement.

It is unclear how long he has been with the department.

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