'Shocking quantity': Plano man found with 18 terabytes of child pornography, authorities say

Christopher Michael Chairez faces charges of possession of child pornography and possession with the intent to promote child pornography.

Author: WFAA Staff

Published: 9:35 AM CST January 15, 2020

Updated: 9:35 AM CST January 15, 2020

A Plano man was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of child pornography and possession with the intent to promote child pornography, according to the Collin County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators had found 18 terabytes of data on devices used to share and view child pornography while executing a search warrant at Christopher Michael Chairez's home, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office said.

An undercover investigation led deputies to Chairez, allegedly identifying him "as an individual utilizing the internet to traffic in child pornography," authorities said. 

One terabyte is equal to 1,000 gigabytes. For perspective, an iPhone 11 Pro can hold up 512 GB.   

"The shocking quantity of child pornography seized in this investigation reminds us how important it is for parents to diligently monitor their children's online activities," said Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner in a written statement. 

He warned parents to remain vigilant of any suspicious social media activity. 

"Child predators seek to exploit children whose parents don't know, or don't care about, the identities of the individuals who communicate with them over the web," Skinner said. 

Chairez had bonded out of the Collin County Detention Facility by Wednesday. 

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/collin-county-sheriffs-office-child-pornography-seized-suspect-arrested/287-c3acaf26-096b-427f-9c0c-7570673b9ede