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WASHINGTON (AP) — A radio station says cellphone evidence that led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Maryland man sat awaiting examination for months while he allegedly sexually exploited three children and solicited a fourth between December and June.
WTOP-FM reported Monday that limited manpower is contributing to months-long backlogs in police digital analysis and slowing investigations for some police agencies.
Last month authorities announced a 119-count indictment against Carlos Deangelo Bell on charges including filming child pornography, infecting at least three victims with the AIDS virus and other offenses.
Prosecutors say they have found 24 victims so far. The case began when a parent complained about inappropriate electronic messages Bell sent to a student.
State delegate Edith Patterson, who represents Charles County, says increased funding is needed to help reduce the backlogs.
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Information from: WTOP-FM, http://www.wtop.com
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