TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation after arresting a Florida state employee on 11 counts of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Eric M. Lipman was arrested Tuesday on 11 counts of possession of child pornography after a six-week investigation.
Lipman's photo and other information were withheld from the arrest report by Florida Statute 119.071(4) (d). Under the statute, current or former State Attorneys, Assistant State Attorneys, State Prosecutors, and Assistant State Prosecutors, active or former Law Enforcement Personnel, etc. may keep arrest information private.
Tim Vaccaro, the Executive Director of the Florida Elections Commission confirmed to ABC 27 Lipman's employment as legal counsel for the Florida Elections Commission.
"The Commission is fully cooperating with law enforcement’s investigation," said Vaccaro said in a statement to ABC 27. "The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending further information."
Detectives with LCSO’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a tip from The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Feb. 24 about possible child pornography being sent via a local e-mail, according to the report.
LCSO said deputies, LCSO ICAC task for partners, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security executed a residential search on Tuesday wherein the electronic evidence was discovered.
The sheriff's office said this investigation is still open and active with additional charges pending.
For a full list of qualifying exemptions under FS 119.071, click here.
