Crime & Safety

Lorton Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

Was a wrestling official for matches throughout the area

A Lorton man was arrested on child pornography charges on Sunday evening, culminating a three-month investigation.

In June, according to Fairfax County Police Officer Shelly Broderick, Fairfax County Fire Marshall officials were called to the adjoining residence of suspect Mark Barget's home in the 8300 block of Green Heron Way in the Gunstom Corner Condominiums. Unable to make safe entry into that home, the Fire Marshall used Barget's residence to access the property. In the course of doing so, Fire Marshall representatives observed suspicious materials. They then contacted Fairfax County Police, who launched an investigation.Β 

As a result of an investigation by detectives, Fairfax County police filed 10 counts of possession of child pornography against Barget.

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According to Fairfax County Police spokesperson Tawny Wright, the 51 year-old Barget was involved in a traffic accident on Old Dominion Drive in McLean on Sunday. During the course of the traffic investigation, officers uncovered the outstanding warrants and Barget was placed under arrest.

He was arraigned on Monday and a preliminary hearing was set in Fairfax County General District Court for Tuesday, October 26 at 2pm.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Barget, who is a wrestling official for middle and high school matches, was charged and taken to the Adult Detention Center in Fairfax.

Officer Broderick said "numerous" schools participated in matches Barget judged.

Barget judged matches through the North Virginia Wrestling Officials Association, a group that contracts with school districts to provide officials at matches. Dave Sisson, the wrestling association's commissioner, declined to provide a list of tournaments or matches Barget judged.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who feels they have additional information in this case. Β Β 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text "TIP187" plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.


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