Robson charged with 19 counts of child porn

Joseph Richard Robson Sr., 72, of Gulf Breeze was charged Aug. 14 with 19 counts of possession of child pornography.

Special Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations carried out a search warrant at Robson's home and seized his computers and recording devices, which contained child pornography. On July 5, Robson pled guilty to 19 counts of child pornography, use of a child in a sexual performance, and knowingly using a minor in the production of nudity or sexual conduct. He was released by Judge Roger Vinson of the Senior U.S. District Court in Pensacola while awaiting a Sept. 15 sentencing date.

Now Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is charging Robson.  According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the charges in Robson's Aug. 14 arrest stem from Robson's federal arrest earlier this year. The state attorney filed the charges on the state level while Robson was awaiting sentencing for his federal crimes.

"We’re charging him with a count of sexual battery," said Sgt. Scott Haines, public information officer for SRSO. "There is no federal law to prosecute sexual battery."

Len Register, assistant U.S. attorney in Pensacola, confirmed that there is no federal rape law. When Robson was indicted on federal charges, there was no jurisdiction for the federal courts to charge him with sexual battery.

 Robson is currently being held at the Santa Rosa County Jail.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.