The FBI has arrested Christopher Lynn Driskill, 48, from Coleman, Texas, for producing child pornography over a seven-year period.
Driskill was identified through his unique tattoos, which investigators matched to a suspect seen in videos on the dark web, reported Fox 4 KDFW. The arrest follows extensive cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agents.
Driskill was apprehended last week by the FBI Dallas Field Office in San Angelo.
A criminal complaint reveals he had been living with his parents in Coleman, south of Abilene. In September, a witness alerted Coleman Police, claiming Driskill admitted to molesting a child during a drunken conversation. While police questioned Driskill and interviewed the child, the lack of corroborating evidence led to the case being closed.
Unbeknownst to local authorities at the time, the FBI had been investigating a series of dark web videos posted in July showing the abuse of a young boy by multiple men. The videos provided clear images of one suspect’s tattoos, which became crucial in identifying Driskill.
Screenshots from his September police interview, alongside social media photos, confirmed his tattoos and facial features matched those of the man in the footage.
Court documents state one of Driskill’s tattoos, “cast no stones,” was a decisive identifier.
The FBI cross-referenced his driver’s license photo and online presence to solidify their case. This meticulous process underscores the role of inter-agency collaboration in tackling such crimes.
“This is an excellent example of the FBI working with local law enforcement to connect the dots and bring a very serious perpetrator to justice,” said Richard Roper, a former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Roper emphasized the critical role of teamwork in ensuring individuals like Driskill are held accountable.
Driskill had his initial court appearance on Tuesday. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in federal prison. This case forms part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP), initiatives dedicated to protecting children from exploitation.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about this case to contact the FBI’s tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online. Public vigilance and law enforcement cooperation remain essential in addressing these heinous crimes.