Guilty plea for parks manager in kid porn case

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 21, 2007

TAMPA - A veteran Hillsborough County parks manager pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to downloading child pornography on his home computer.

Thomas Goins, 64, could face a maximum of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date before U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has not been set.

Goins entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas G. Wilson.

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Goins in October after an investigation led to hundreds of disturbing files on his home computer. Some contained videos of children as young as infants being sexually abused, according to court documents.

A co-worker alerted authorities to Goins' Internet habits after finding child pornography on his work laptop. A 25-year-employee with the Hillsborough County parks system, Goins worked as a senior park manager. He lived in a trailer at Lithia Springs Park.

Hillsborough County spokeswoman Lori Hudson said that Goins remains suspended from his job without pay. County attorneys are reviewing his case and could move to terminate him. A pre-disciplinary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 18. Goins remains in jail without bail.

[Last modified December 21, 2007, 00:23:08]