WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. — A man who was living in an assisted living facility in Webster Groves is now facing up to 20 years in prison after admitting that he had more than 180,000 pieces of child sexual abuse material.
According to a press release from federal prosecutors, 76-year-old Joseph J. Fitzsimmons pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of child pornography in federal court Monday.
The press release said Fitzsimmons was getting help with his internet connection after moving into an assisted living facility in Webster Groves in March of 2023. An employee at the facility saw two images containing child sexual abuse material while helping Fitzsimmons with the internet.
The employee then contacted the Webster Groves Police Department, which worked with the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI on the case.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Fitzsimmons' apartment and recovered a number of electronic devices. The St. Louis County Police Department found 170,310 images and 11,410 videos containing child sexual abuse material, as well as 16,780 computer-generated or animated images and 549 videos.
Fitzsimmons will be sentenced on March 4, 2025. He could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.
To report a crime to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, visit their CyberTipline on their website online.
