A former Lauderdale-by-the-Sea commissioner and fire chief who'd served as a volunteer Santa Claus for the town has been arrested on child pornography charges, authorities said.
James Jude Silverstone, 62, was arrested Thursday on 10 charges of transmitting child pornography, Broward Sheriff's Office officials said.
The investigation began in April when BSO detectives learned of a computer that was downloading more than 210 files containing images and videos of child pornography, officials said.
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Silverstone was identified as a suspect and a search warrant was executed at his Miramar home in May where detectives seized a number of electronic devices.
On the devices, detectives found hundreds of additional videos and photos of child pornography with some involving children as young as infants, officials said.
Silverstone turned himself in and was booked into the Broward jail. He appeared in court Friday morning, where a judge granted him a $100,000 boond.
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“You know one thing is to charge somebody with a crime, another thing is to prove it. So there are a number of different issues and different avenues we’re gonna pursue," defense attorney J. David Bogenschutz said.
Silverstone will be on house arrest with ankle monitor. He won't be allowed to have contact with children or use electronic devices.
"I can't believe this has happened. This is absolutely not correct," said a neighbor, who didn't want to be identified. "I've known his character for 30 years. He's an outstanding individual, one of the finest humans I've ever known. I know personally of two people. He saved lives. I mean, he volunteers to do everything for everybody. This is not him."
In addition to previously serving as a town commissioner and fire chief, Silverstone had been a volunteer Santa Claus for the town, officials said.
"I've also been with him when he's been volunteer Santa. I mean, he's just a consummate good-do-gooder," the neighbor said. "Somebody is out to get him. This is not right. I'm furious. And anybody else who knows him would be, too. I'm shaking. I'm so upset."
