Porn charges for park worker

The FBI says the Hillsborough man had images of kids.

By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN, Times Staff Writer
Published October 6, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Thomas Goins, 64, was arrested on charges of possessing child pornography.

TAMPA - A tip from a co-worker about the Internet habits of a 25-year employee of the Hillsborough County parks system led to the discovery of child pornography on his home computer, the FBI reported Friday.

Thomas Goins, 64, who lived in a trailer at Lithia Springs Park where he worked as senior park manager, was arrested on charges of possessing child pornography, officials said. They said they found hundreds of disturbing files on his home computer containing videos of children as young as infants being sexually abused.

The FBI launched an investigation Aug. 16 after county officials reported that one of Goins' co-workers had told them that Goins had child pornography on his work laptop, federal documents state. During an interview by county officials, Goins admitted viewing child pornography on his home computer, according to reports.

FBI agents went to Goins' home on Aug. 20 and, with Goins' consent, searched his computer. Goins admitted downloading the pornography via two file sharing programs, according to reports.

The review into Goins' computer tower and six external computer hard drives revealed about five images of child pornography and about 234 videos showing infants to teenagers being sexually abused. The videos ran between 30 seconds to an hour and 40 minutes long. Goins also possessed text stories on his computer about minors engaged in sexual conduct.

Goins, who is in custody, will not be allowed to return to the east Hillsborough park, said Hillsborough County spokeswoman Lori Hudson.

Since the accusations came to light, Goins "was never alone in his duty," Hudson said. He was suspended without pay.

Dong-Phuong Nguyen can be reached at 813 269-5312 or nguyen@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 5, 2007, 23:53:27]