MILLERVILLE, Md. — A youth and adult soccer referee in Millersville was arrested after police say they found multiple child pornography images in his possession.
The Anne Arundel County Police Child Abuse Unit began investigating 21-year-old Cedric Caleb Wardell after a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploded Children about an email address that was directly associated with uploading child pornographic images to a particular site.
On January 20, Wardell had a search and seizure warrant executed at his Millersville home and numerous electronic items were seized and later examined by the Anne Arundel County Digital Forensics Unit.
While officials were interviewing him, Wardell told officials that he was certified by the United States Soccer Foundation (USSF), an accredited program for youth and adult soccer referees. After administrators were advised of the on-going criminal investigation, Wardell's privileged to referee was suspended.
The forensic download of Wardell's electronics revealed multiple child porn images and he was charged with 10 counts of distribution and 10 counts of possession of child pornography.
The Anne Arundel County Police is urging anyone with information on this incident or the suspect to contact the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733. One can also remain anonymous by calling the Anne Arundel County Tip Line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.
