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OC Podiatrist Accused Of Possessing Child Porn On Work Computer

LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — A 58-year-old Orange County podiatrist was arrested Tuesday for allegedly having more than 1,000 images of child pornography on his work computer.

Dr. Pete Thomas of Coastline Podiatry in Santa Ana turned himself in after police issued a warrant for his arrest.

The suspect was charged with a felony count of child pornography and is free on $50,000 bail.

Police said they were tipped off to Thomas on Oct. 25 after a computer technician, who was hired to install a networking system at the suspect's office, found the illicit pictures of the children.

"(The technician) goes back to his place of employment. He talks to his bosses who immediately do the right thing and call the (police)," said Cpl. Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police Department.

Authorities were able to get a warrant to seize Thomas' computer and found the inappropriate pictures.

Police said they don't believe the suspect had any contact with the children in the photos.

Thomas' neighbors in Long Beach were in disbelief when they found out about the situation.

"I'm shocked. Very, very shocked. He's a very good (neighbor)," said Charnatte Lagarde.

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