Cops combing computer in child-sex case

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Investigators have seized computers, flash memory drives, costumes and more, from the houses of a 57-year-old Albuquerque man accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.

Edward Christy claimed the sex was consensual, but because of the girl's age, he's in jail.

Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White said he is very concerned about what investigators will find on Christy's home computer.

“He did this pretty easily,” White said.

Christy met his alleged victim more than a month ago on agematch.com, an intergenerational dating site. Investigators are worried his Web trail may reveal a cyber path of predatory actions.

“We are going to go through that computer with a fine-tooth comb working with the sheriff's department and the FBI to try and determine if there are other victims out there, and if so make sure that he is prosecuted and held accountable," White said.

Deputies directed to Christy's South Valley home by California police found the 16-year-old runaway bound to a chair with straps. Deputies looking in through a window reported seeing flashes of light and said they believed Christy was taking pictures of the girl.

Christy admitted to investigators that he brought the girl to Albuquerque several days before from her home in southern California, according to court records.

“He knew exactly what he was doing, and he knew exactly what he was going to do once he arrived in California,” White said.

A search of Christy's house turned up several electronic devices.

“What we are very concerned about is that computer," White told News 13. "There were other flash drives, and that is all consistent with these types of predators.”

Investigators also seized costumes they believe were used in role-playing acts as well as a dog cage.

Christy said the bondage straps and the cage were the girl’s idea and part of one of her fantasies, investigators said. White said they are unsure how long the girl was kept in the cage but she may have slept in it.

It will take investigators several days to go through Christy's computer.

Christy had no previous criminal record although investigators said they will be checking his past to make sure no other child was involved in illegal activities with him.

Christy is charged with rape and child exploitation.