Hickory man sentenced to 11 years in prison for 'vast inventory' of child pornography: DOJ

HICKORY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Chad Joseph Caesar, 39 of Hickory, was sentenced to 132 months in prison, plus lifetime supervised release for receipt of child pornography.

According to court documents and the February 2023 sentencing hearing, the Hickory Police Department was informed that Caesar's computer had been flagged by his employer for a security violation.

Hickory police began the investigation, which led to the execution of a search warrant on Caesar's residence.

Law enforcement seized Caesar's electronic devices. After forensic analysis, it was revealed that his devices contained a large inventory of child pornography. More than 50,000 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and bestiality were found.

Court records show Caear's collection included images and videos of more than 250 victims previously identified by name.

Many of these identified victims submitted victim impact statements for consideration by the Court during sentencing.

Commenting on these statements, Judge Bell noted: “When you read their letters, they are constantly being abused… They live in fear for the rest of their lives.”

On December 6, 2023, César pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography.

Caesar remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transport to a designated Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.

Homeland Security Investigations in North and South Carolina and the Hickory Police Department came together to investigate this case.

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