On July 31st, 2025 in Portage County, Wisconsin, officers responded to a computer repair shop after the owner discovered disturbing images on a customer's laptop while attempting to back up his files. >> What started as a routine computer repair quickly turned into something far more serious. A customer dropped off a laptop because of a Wi-Fi problem. But when the technician opened the pictures folder to back up the files, he immediately realized something was wrong. What he found was disturbing enough to bring police into the situation. And what happens when the laptop owner returns the next morning takes this case in an entirely different direction. Watch closely. >> I don't know how much explains to you. They're pretty vague about >> so I'm going to kind of get the drift. >> Yeah. Client dropped off laptop today around noon. Uh I could get specific time if it matters. Um Wi-Fi issue. I try to fix issue. I find that there's deeper problems. I spoke to the customer on the phone and I explained the problems. We have to reinstall Windows to fix the the client computer. It's a laptop. Okay. >> The client tells me that's fine. And I say, "Do you have any data that you have to back up?" And he says, "As long as you can back up the pictures, that's all I care about." Of course, I open the pictures folder to verify. Is that where the pictures are stored? Immediately see pictures of children. Lots of them. >> Like how how >> Well, if you want to look at it, I will show. >> I don't really want to. I know. I don't either. >> This is the moment the situation changes from a normal repair job into a potential criminal investigation. The technician isn't searching through the customer's private files out of curiosity. According to his explanation, the customer specifically asked him to back up his pictures, which required opening the pictures folder. That's when he says he immediately encountered disturbing material involving children. Notice his reaction. Even before officers arrive, he's clearly uncomfortable with what he's seeing and doesn't want to continue browsing unnecessarily. The sheer number of files eventually identified as 7,355 also gives investigators a reason to take the report seriously. >> And before I guess we click on it cuz again like I'm not too interested in seeing anything either. Uh properties. So this is how many individual files are in that pictures folder. So I'll tell you that number is growing. That's a lot. >> Yeah. And so, >> so it's like over 5,000. Oh, yeah. >> I mean, >> I don't really want to scroll much further than that. >> Yeah. >> You know, it's it's pretty clear to me. I'm not an idiot, you know. Um, >> do you know if there's anyone like with no clothes on at all or is it mostly just like >> I and so I don't and I know that being weird is not illegal but >> I I didn't scroll through so I'm >> so but there was like what over >> at this point the technician makes an important decision. Instead of confronting the customer himself he contacts law enforcement and provides the information he has. That's significant because this isn't a trained investigator conducting a search. He's a computer repair technician who says he stumbled across the material while performing the service the customer requested. He also explains that the customer still believes the laptop will simply be repaired and returned the next day. That creates a very different dynamic for investigators. They now have an opportunity to determine what happened before the customer realizes police know about the contents of the device. >> The person's information on who >> I have a name and a number. >> Okay, I'll take that. But I'm going to make a phone call to one of our detectives and see what they say. But >> okay. >> And then if any So, so right now he does not know that I know anything. I just told him like I'll get it taken care of. I'll give you a call tomorrow when it's all done. He expects that it'll be done tomorrow. Okay. >> Um I guess I don't mind if you know you guys are here when he comes to pick it up if that's better if you guys go talk to him now. Happy to work with you. But like you know >> Yeah. I'll we'll figure something out. [laughter] >> What uh what's his first name? >> Gary. G A R Y. Well, that's presumably I didn't ask spelling Johnson. So his neighbor uh actually dropped him off cuz I don't know if he has a car or something. Um and so when uh they called to ask for the update on the laptop, she was the one that had called me from her number. Uh, so like and I have the recall her number or >> that's to my knowledge that's Gary's number. >> Uh, let me double check. >> What was her number? >> I can get you that. Uh, >> and you don't have an address or anything, do you? >> I don't, unfortunately. Um, in our talking, she is a neighbor across the parking lot, so some kind of apartment complex, maybe. >> All right, I'm going to go make a phone call. Be back in like 5 minutes or so. >> All right. >> All right. So I guess >> what was the original issue he brought it here for again? >> The Wi-Fi didn't work. >> Wi-Fi didn't work. >> So So full simplified story. >> Wi-Fi didn't work. His neighbor tried to help him fix it. She couldn't figure it out. >> So she brought it to me. Well, she and him. He was here in store. He handed me the laptop. >> Um so the Wi-Fi wasn't working. We tried to fix. Um, it will be far too complex to explain how I tried to fix it. >> I'm not a computer guy. So, it means >> not easily fixable. So, reinstall necessary. That's an easy term. Reinstall necessary. >> Called customer to explain. Customer indicated he just needs his photos backed up. >> Okay. >> And again, I have recorded calls. I can give you those calls if it's anything, but >> just need photos. and then you went you opened it because you had to obviously >> now the police response becomes more deliberate. The technician explains exactly how he encountered the files and offers recorded phone calls and other information that could help establish the timeline. Officers also discuss taking possession of the laptop as evidence and shutting it down because they have the password available. This is an important transition. The laptop is no longer simply a customer's personal property waiting for repair. Investigators are treating it as potential evidence. The technician also provides a receipt and customer information, giving police additional documentation that can help connect the device to the person who brought it in. >> Obviously, we want to talk to him. We're going to obviously take this cuz this is evidence. >> Yes. >> Um and then what time are you open tomorrow? uh 10 a.m. >> Um so what we will we will probably have you like set something up to have him come pick up the computer and then like to talk to if that would work something. >> Yeah. So that's and like I say whatever works better for you guys. >> Happy to get it done. >> Printers are not really worth >> Does it have a password? He has a password. >> He has a password. >> Gary gave it to him. >> Okay. >> This is Gary >> with that lady. >> Yeah. This his neighbor who drove him here. >> Okay. Um >> got off the phone with uh Tetro. He said that since we have the pass. No, it's fine. Um >> since we have the passcode, we can shut it'll be room 149 again. >> Okay. Since we haven't passed. >> Hello. >> Busy place. >> Yes. Always busy. >> I didn't even know this was here. >> Well, tell your friends and family. Happy to fix stuff. Happy to fix stuff. >> So, >> here investigators begin clarifying exactly what was observed. Rather than relying solely on a general accusation, the technician repeatedly explains that he wasn't deliberately searching through the customer's files. He says the pictures folder was opened because that's where the customer specifically requested his photos be backed up. Officers then discuss what they observed on the screen and what additional material was visible while the folder was being closed. That distinction matters because investigators need to establish not only what was found but also how it was discovered. The technicians recorded calls and explanation of the repair process could become important pieces of the evidence trail. >> Yeah. Um >> sure. And uh and so again, it's like it's one of those things where >> I don't go through people's stuff. I don't care. I don't have time to go through people's stuff. >> Okay. >> But when I open the pictures folder and he has extra large view mode on and it's the f it's not even in a folder. It's it's in the pictures, you know, like >> you tell me, hey, back up my pictures for me. I have to open the pictures folder, you know, like that is just I'm not going to go through your folders and check anything. Like >> I'm not dumb. I see the top thing. Okay. I'm not dumb, you know, like. >> And what did I guess in obviously Sergeant Patial here looked at some of the images. What was the first thing that you saw? >> Oh, the >> I know. >> A little girl in like a bikini looking up seductively at the camera with like a bunch of makeup on. You know, it's like the girl was >> terrible with ages, but like six to eight would be my thought. Again, I don't I'm terrible with ages. I literally couldn't tell you, but young enough that I'm immediately tears on the back of my neck up, you know, like >> Did you see any other images in there? >> Regretfully, he was scrolling through to double check. And when I went to close the folder, yeah, I was aware that at least one of them was topless. So, I'm I'm aware at least one of them was topless, but >> not really trying to go and look through that stuff. >> Okay. Nope. I'm not asking you to or anything. I just want to make sure that I understand what you were seeing. Um, >> and to give you like a better idea cuz I as I told him, so like uh he called uh and I spoke with him on the phone and that was when I told him, "I can't fix your Wi-Fi problem. It's going to have to be a full reinstall. Do you have data that you need me to back up?" And he says, "Yes, make sure you back up the pictures." >> So then I open the pictures folder literally on the phone with him. Within like the second of him saying that, stomach drops. Okay, I'll give you a call and let you know as soon as it's done, you know, and like I have the call recorded. Um I have the uh if you saw on there, I have him dropping it off and everything recorded. Um so I can get you that information if you would like it. Um yeah, again, it's like I don't make it a thing to go through people's data. I don't care, you know. I don't care if you're weird, but that's past weird, you know. That's >> um So it's to my understanding that he's like you're planning on calling him tomorrow saying, "Hey, it's done. Come pick up your computer." >> Mhm. >> Okay. What time do you guys open tomorrow? >> 10:00 a.m. >> Okay. I'm going to have to go back, talk with my supervisors, try to figure out, I guess, our next step. But, um, probably what we'll have happen is probably have you make a phone call. Um, say, "Hey, your stuff's ready to come pick up." And then we will. >> The next morning, everything changes. Instead of walking into the repair shop, picking up his laptop, and leaving, Gary is met by detectives. This appears to be a carefully coordinated encounter. Officers already know why they are there. While Gary appears to believe he's simply returning to collect his computer. Listen closely to his early statements because investigators immediately begin asking about the pictures. His explanation starts with an interest in publishing images, but within moments, the conversation turns toward the nature of the material investigators say they observed. The gap between what Gary expects to happen and what police actually intend to do is enormous. >> I'm Detective Bial with the Sine Police Department. This is Lieutenant Yan. I'm going to have you step over by respond right now. >> Because we there's some issues with some of you. Okay. >> Have a conversation with girls. >> Yes, >> I do that. We're getting public of the most beautiful girls in the world. I put them on my laptop and then trying to get them published on. >> And now Gary realizes this isn't a normal laptop pickup. When he asks why he's being arrested, officers tell him the issue involves possession of child- rellated material found on the computer. His immediate response is especially revealing from an investigative standpoint. Rather than simply denying that anything is there, he talks about being able to erase it from the laptop. Of course, investigators aren't going to hand potential evidence back to someone who has just been confronted about its contents. From this point forward, the laptop becomes central to the case, and Gary is being transported for further questioning. >> Well, you know, >> yes. >> Why? because you're in the possession of pornography. Yeah. Child. >> Okay. Like like I said, I can eliminate that off on my computer. >> Well, we can talk about [clears throat] we can talk about that in the car. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Just take your hands out of your pockets for me. >> Thanks. >> So, Lieutenant Mueller is going to walk you back to the spot. I'm going to go tell your friend Jackie. >> The silver one. Okay. >> Hop in, have a seat, and we'll have a discussion. Okay. >> Yep. All right, Gary. So, this conversation is going to be recorded. Okay, >> that's fine. >> Okay. Um, your last name is Johnson, correct? >> Right. Nice and warm in here. >> I will. >> We'll put the air back on radio off. >> Before questioning moves forward, the detective explains that Gary is not free to leave and reads him his constitutional rights. This is a critical procedural moment. The officers are making clear that the encounter has become custodial and that questioning is going to occur after those rights are explained. Gary indicates that he understands and agrees to answer questions. From an investigative perspective, this is where the interview officially becomes much more consequential. Every answer from here forward can potentially be compared against the digital evidence investigators say they recovered, the technician's account, and statements Gary has already made outside the interview room. >> Your rights um before I ask you any questions. >> All right. Um, so I'm just going to go through this verbata. >> But I'm free to go after all this. >> No, >> I'm not. >> No. >> Um, >> you can't you can't come home with my laptop and me and watch me eliminate all the pictures on you. >> No. So, let me get you get through this form with you, okay? And then we can have further conversation if you want. All right. So, before we ask you any questions, you must understand your rights. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions and to have him with you during questioning if you so desire. If you cannot afford a >> Gary now gives investigators his explanation for the thousands of images. He says he was collecting pictures from the internet because he considered the subjects beautiful and hoped to compile material for possible submission to Getty. But investigators immediately begin testing that explanation with specific questions. Where did the pictures come from? What was he searching for? Was he creating the images himself? And what about the nude material investigators say they observed? Notice the interview technique here. The detective isn't simply arguing with him. Instead, he keeps narrowing the questions and allowing Gary's own answers to establish a timeline and purpose for the files. >> Obviously got involved because we got notified that there were some concerning images >> on your computer, >> right? >> Okay. And when we approached you, you said you had pictures >> Yeah. >> of >> of girls. >> Okay. And from what I understood, you said they were the most beautiful girls. And >> I'm supposed to be and supposed to be trying to get uh get them send them to Getty Publishing just and see if they'll accept them or not. >> Okay. >> Supposed to be the most beautiful girls in the world. I'm sure I've got a couple of pictures on there, too, but >> Okay. Are you taking these pictures of these girls? >> No, I'm not taking any pictures. I'm just just getting them off the internet. >> Okay. >> I'm just taking or just getting uh doing just wife like [snorts] I get on certain programs that have pictures of girls. >> Okay. And uh I just [snorts] take a picture of the girl, you know, through my internet. Just >> Okay. >> Just add to my pictures. >> So you save it to your laptop? >> Yeah, I save it to my laptop. I don't take pictures of little girls. >> That would be ridiculous. >> Okay. Um and what I mean, where do you go to get these pictures? You said the internet. >> It's on the internet. >> What do you search for? little girls or beautiful girls, anything like that. >> Okay. Um, >> and a lot of these pictures are from Getty Publishing anyhow. >> Okay. Um, so let's talk about the the nude images of the girls. >> I got those off the internet, too. >> Okay. >> I don't have nude images of little girls. No. Well, there was some images that were seen >> Oh, yeah. >> of a a little girl in between maybe the ages of 6 to 12, right? >> Um wearing some sort of bottoms, whether that be underwear, swimsuit, but no top, >> right? >> Okay. So, that is considered chub. >> Okay. This is one of the most important sections of the interview because Gary's own description expands the scope of what investigators are asking about. He says he searched for and collected images of girls across a very broad age range while continuing to characterize the activity as a hobby. Investigators then question why someone would intentionally collect this type of material and what purpose it served. The key issue here isn't simply the number of files. It's the combination of the alleged search behavior, the saved material, and the explanations being offered for why those files were kept. >> Pictures. >> Okay. But you're not taking pictures. >> I I I used to take nature pictures all the time. >> Okay. >> But my camera got stolen. So I just started looking at the internet and noticed that they had beautiful girls on Teddy Publishing. And so I started looking at beautiful but little girls, you know, beautiful girls, you know, from anywhere from 2 to 16 years old, the most beautiful girls in the world. >> Okay. >> That's all there is to it. >> And why are you doing that? >> Just a hobby. >> Okay. And then you save the pictures and then what? >> I just save them on the internet. I don't even do anything. >> What's your plan with them? Well, I told you I planned on trying to send a few to Getty Publishing that Getty didn't have on on [clears throat] their on their pictures. >> Okay. >> And like I said, a lot of those pictures I have are from Getty Publishing. Anyhow, >> I was trying to do a compilation of the most beautiful girls in the world and uh send them to Getty and see if they'd accept the pictures I like, you know, like pictures I'm sending them. >> Okay. Do you I know this is probably really uncomfortable. >> The detective now starts testing Gary's explanation against the timeline he's providing. Gary says his interest developed after his camera was stolen and claims he shifted toward finding pictures online, but investigators point out the obvious question. Why specifically focus on young girls and why continue collecting thousands of images over a period of years? Gary says he searched for new pictures about once a week and spent most of his time playing an online game. Then comes another significant admission. The laptop contains more than 5,000 pictures, and Gary acknowledges that some of them contain nudity. At this stage, investigators have a much clearer picture of the scope of the digital collection. >> Why little girl, you said you were a nature photographer and now you just go online somebody stole my camera out of my car and so I just happened to notice that they had beautiful girls online. One day I was just going to different things and you know and so I started as a hobby uh collecting the pictures of the little girls like I said just into Getty Publishing if I could get the ones that hadn't been on Getty but were from a different format you know. >> How long have you had the computer? >> Oh probably four or five years now. >> And that's yours? >> That's mine. Where did you get it? >> I got it from Best Buy. >> Okay. So, you physically went there and bought it yourself from Best Buy, >> right? >> Okay. >> What Why did you bring it to Cody Electronics Repair? >> Cuz my my Wi-Fi went sour on it cuz I did an update from uh I did an update from Microsoft and the update wiped out my Wi-Fi. So, I brought it to him to get my Wi-Fi repaired. >> Okay. How long I guess when did you start looking? Okay, let's I'll start back up. When did your camera get stolen? >> Before I moved here from Virginia. >> Okay. >> I went to a uh I went to a pool hall and I left my window open in my car and somebody stole my camera out of that. >> So it was stolen when you lived in Virginia. >> Yeah, I love it when I lived in Virginia. >> When [clears throat] did you move out of Virginia? if you can remember. >> Oh, I always see 2000. >> Okay. And then did you move straight here or was there other places in between? >> No, I went to Watoma first. >> Okay. >> Then I moved here from WMA. I got a job working at Peggy's. >> So, how long do you think you'd lived in Steven's Point for? >> I'm sorry. >> How long do you think you've lived in Stevens Point for? >> Uh, since 2005. >> Okay. How long have you been searching for little girls on the internet? >> Couple of years. >> Okay. Does anybody live with you? >> No. >> Okay. You live alone? >> Mhm. >> Okay. I guess I'm I'm finding it very hard to believe that you are just searching for little girls. No. >> On the on the internet. Most of the time I'm playing my game on the internet, I play uh Casino World. >> Okay. >> So, once in a while, I'll go see if there are any new pictures of girls and then I'll just go back and play my casino game some more. >> Okay. >> How often do you >> search for little girls? >> Maybe once a week. And like I said, I spend most of my time playing my casino world. 14 to 39. >> 99% of it actually. [laughter] >> Do you know? >> Ignore my TV set. >> Do you know about how many pictures you have saved? >> Over 5,000. >> Do you have an idea of how many of those are pictures with nudity? >> Not off hand. No. >> But you do know that some of them are nude pictures. >> Yes, I do know that. So why would you save those? >> Cuz I was dumb and stupid and got drunk. >> I mean, you've been >> open and honest with us. >> Yeah. >> So far, I mean, have there ever been has there any excuse me, has there >> The interview is now moving from general explanations toward the devices, access, and evidence itself. Gary confirms that the laptop is his, that he is the only person who uses it, and that he is the only person who normally has access to it. Those details can matter enormously in a digital investigation because investigators need to establish who had control over the device and its contents. Then, police tell him that they have the laptop and that he will not be getting it back at that moment. When they ask for consent to search it, he agrees. Shortly afterward, officers tell him directly that he is going to jail. >> Stuff saved on your laptop. Was that in referring to the little girls or >> referring to older adult to adult people, right? >> Okay. >> Doing kinky things. >> Okay. >> Got to entertain myself once in a while just looking at >> and I mean there's nothing wrong with adult >> Mhm. >> Um what would you search for adult? Oh, just basically adults having sex. >> Okay. When you would search um pictures of the little girls, um would that mainly be on your laptop or would you do that on another device? >> Yeah, that only the only device I have is my laptop. >> Okay. >> And you said you were connected to your Wi-Fi at your apartment? >> Yes. >> Do you know who your Wi-Fi provider is? Spectrum. >> Do you have it named a certain name? >> Yeah. >> Like your Wi-Fi. Some people can name their Wi-Fi. >> No. >> Okay. >> I [clears throat] named my laptop nappy lappy. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Because when I put it to sleep at night, that's when I go to bed. I go to sleep. And then I get up and I start playing my casino world. >> Okay. So, I have your laptop. >> Okay. You're not going to get your laptop back right now. Okay. >> Um, would you give the department consent to search your laptop? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> At this point, the interview is over and the situation shifts from questioning to processing the arrest. Gary immediately becomes concerned about his medication and his health, asking whether he can get his medication and mentioning that he may need medical attention. Officers explain that they can assist with retrieving his medication from his apartment before taking him to jail. This is also a reminder that even during a serious criminal investigation, officers still have practical responsibilities toward a person in custody. They explain the handcuffing and search process, arrange transportation, and make plans to retrieve the medication. The case is moving from investigation into the next stage of the legal process. >> To take my medicine. >> Okay. And we can >> I can probably get that yet. >> Yeah. Um >> figure that out or I can go to the hospital. didn't do very good when I wake up in the morning and I got blood in my urine. >> We are done here. However, we need to get some medications from his house. So, we can assist with the squad transfer and then we can also head up there and assist going in getting those meds. So, >> all right. Thanks. So, squad car is going to come over here. We're going to transfer you into a marked squad. Okay. Mhm. >> Um they are going to put you in handcuffs, going to search you, make sure you got nothing in your pockets. Um but everything my little pocket knife and stuff. >> Okay. Um and then we'll follow you. They're going to bring you to your back to your apartment. Okay. >> Mhm. >> Um >> good cuz I need to use the restroom pretty soon anyhow. >> Okay. Um, get your meds and then we'll transport you to the jail. Okay. >> Is there anything else you need out of your apartment, Gary, other than the medications? >> Just my medicines. >> Okay. Do you have Is it locked up? >> Yeah, it's locked up. Not the medicine. I mean, I just >> Right. I My apartment's [clears throat] locked now. [snorts] >> You have any questions for us? >> Yeah. >> What is that? >> How do you know I'm ever going to get out of jail? Why should I even have to go to jail? Cuz I have a couple of pictures of girls on my >> Yes, cuz you have child on your on your laptop. >> Well, like I said, I can always erase that immediately. >> Well, that's not going to happen today. Um >> Well, then I need to go to the hospital. >> Like I said, we're going to be bringing you to your apartment to get your medicine >> and then you can take me to the hospital after that. I was supposed to make an appointment with a doctor, but I've been working with my medicine and that just quit working. >> Find my other. So, what began with a routine Wi-Fi repair ultimately led to an arrest and a much larger digital investigation. According to the footage, the repair technician encountered disturbing material while attempting to back up pictures, contacted police, and provided investigators with information about how the files were discovered. Detectives then confronted Gary when he returned for the laptop, advised him of his rights, questioned him about the images, and ultimately arrested him. The transcript states that a later forensic examination uncovered hundreds of images investigators flagged along with additional files and search history involving young girls before the case was forwarded to the Portage County District Attorney's Office for further review. The biggest takeaway is how quickly an ordinary service call can become a major evidence preservation and criminal investigation once potentially illegal digital material is discovered. What do you think about the way officers handled the investigation and interview? Let us know in the comments. And if you found this breakdown as intense as we did, hit that like button, share your thoughts, and don't forget to subscribe to Blue Light Exposed for more real life body cam breakdowns.