Arizona firefighter accused of recording child pornography at home

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

According to court documents, beginning June 1, Agustin Julian “AJ” Sauceda, who works as a battalion chief in the Eloy Fire District, downloaded child pornography from a peer-to-peer network.

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

A toddler was seen in one of the videos, investigators said.

According to authorities, videos and photos were taken between May and December 2022.

On Wednesday, police searched Sauceda's home and pickup truck in Casa Grande and seized nearly two dozen electronic devices.

A cellphone contained more than 2,800 photos and videos of a naked girl in the bathroom of Sauceda's home, according to court documents.

Police also said they found a pinhole camera in the home.

Sauceda refused to speak to 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 and 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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