Faribault inmate downloads child porn using prison-issued tablet: Charges

A Faribault inmate is accused of downloading child pornography images on a prison-issued tablet while serving a sentence for similar charges. 

Devin Vu, 27, was charged on Thursday with 22 counts of possessing pornographic images involving minors under the age of 14. At the time of the alleged incident, Vu was incarcerated for prior convictions related to child pornography. 

"Unfortunately, this case also demonstrates the danger presented by people who exploit children and the ease with which child sexual abuse media can be accessed," Rice County Attorney Brian Mortenson said in a provided statement. "This is why we have two special victim prosecutors who tirelessly work to hold these offenders accountable and give victims a voice."

Investigation into downloaded images 

What we know:

The Minnesota Department of Corrections’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) learned that 22 tablets used in an educational program had been altered to bypass the monitoring and security software, allowing inmates access to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 

The tablets were sent out for a forensic review, and officials said an examination of Vu’s tablet suggested he had accessed restricted websites and potentially downloaded child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to the RCAO. 

OSI alerted the Faribault Police Department to the findings. Investigators executed a search warrant on Vu’s tablet and reportedly recovered more than 20 images of CSAM involving girls estimated to be between the ages of 4 and 13, charges allege.

The complaint explains that as part of the educational program, Vu was allowed to keep the tablet in his living quarters, and he allegedly had possession of these images between September and October.

Dig deeper:

The Rice County Attorney’s office said at the time of the alleged offense, Vu was serving a sentence after being convicted of possessing child pornography. The Minnesota Department of Correction’s website listed his release date for 2027.

According to court records, his prior convictions include: 

  • Three counts of possessing pornographic works involving a minor in February 2021
  • Two counts of engaging in electronic communication relating or describing sexual conduct with a child in February 2021
  • Three counts of possessing pornographic works involving a minor in July 2020
  • One count of stalking in August 2019

What's next:

Vu is scheduled to make his first appearance in court for the new charges in late February.  

The Source: A criminal complaint and press release from the Rice County Attorney's office was used to compile this report. 

Crime and Public SafetyMinnesota