GAITHERSBURG, MD – An 18-year-old Kensington man has been arrested and charged with ten counts of possession of child pornography following a multi-agency investigation that began with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Police say the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) launched its inquiry on February 19 after the NCMEC reported a social media account suspected of storing illegal material.
The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force referred the case to Montgomery County detectives, who traced the account’s IP address to a residence in Kensington.
Investigators identified the user as Evan Morrison and obtained a search warrant for his home on Nicholson Lane.
Detectives executed the warrant on October 3, seizing several electronic devices and items of evidentiary value connected to the case.
Follow-up warrants lead to arrest
A second warrant, issued October 23, authorized detectives to conduct forensic examinations of the seized devices. After reviewing the digital evidence, police secured an arrest warrant for Morrison on November 25.
He was taken into custody on November 30 and initially held without bond in Anne Arundel County before being transferred to Montgomery County for a bond review scheduled for Wednesday.
Fire department ties severed after arrest
Authorities confirmed that Morrison had served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad and Bethesda Fire Department since 2023. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) said Morrison was removed from all volunteer duties when the investigation began and has had no access to fire department facilities, systems, or equipment since that time.
Investigation continues
Police said the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.
An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter from Kensington was arrested after a national cyber tip led police to child pornography evidence on his electronic devices.