- Robert Layne Magann, 57, arrested for investigation of sexual exploitation of a minor.
- Magann is accused of collecting child sex abuse material for 20 years, and works with children.
- He allegedly told police he is a behavior therapist.
SALT LAKE CITY — A man who investigators say works closely with young children has been arrested and accused of collecting child sex abuse material for 20 years.
Robert Layne Magann, 57, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Wednesday for investigation of 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
The investigation began in January when the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children task force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children "regarding an account that uploaded and distributed suspected child sexual abuse material," a police booking affidavit states.
On Wednesday, agents served a search warrant at Magann's home.
"Magann admitted to sending and receiving child sex abuse material on the social media platform," according to the affidavit. "Magann downplayed the child sex abuse material, referring to it as 'European art,' but later admitted to seeing child sex abuse material that wasn't art and that it made him feel sick."
Suspected child sex abuse material was found on several of Magann's electronic devices, according to police.
"Magann admitted to being attracted to kids and finds them cute. Magann admitted to having child sex abuse material in his possession for approximately 20 years," the affidavit alleges.
Investigators also noted that Magann said he is a "behavioral therapist" and "works with autistic children. Magann stated that he would never hurt a kid and that he loves working with kids. Magann asked if we could just make this go away so that he could keep helping kids," according to the arrest report.
"I also located a Facebook post from Magann's account where he advertises services as a tutor and 'babysitter,' soliciting more access to young children," police wrote in the affidavit. "Magann is also a former substitute teacher, according to the Facebook post, and workforce services shows him working at a Salt Lake area school previously."
While Magann allegedly told police he is a behavioral therapist, there is no record of him in the Utah Division of Professional Licensing's website.
