U.S. Attorneys in San Antonio are starting the year with a pair of child pornography cases that involve two different federal agencies, News
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Richard Gratkowski, a decorated former Special Forces soldier, is accused of using Bitcoins to buy access to a website that featured nearly 200-thousand videos depicting children being raped.
n his first federal court appearance, the FBI agent who worked the case says the case started thanks to a joint investigation between Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service, which was able to track bitcoin use, and a connection to what is called the dark web, which can only be accessed with special software.
On several occasions, Gratkowski used his USAA credit card to buy the access to the perverted videos, it's alleged. USAA is not a party to the case.
During a polygraph test, FBI agents asked Gratkowski if he physically molested any children. His answer of "no" was determined to be a fail, but a failed polygraph test is not seen as a lie. The FBI noted that he also failed a separate polygraph test years ago when he applied to be an FBI agent.
It's alleged that Gratkowski used his government-issued cell phone to access the websites with child pornography, and also used it to film himself in what was described as an awkward masturbation video at his own work desk.
Gratkowski has been involved in several high-profile investigations, including one involving the smuggling of night vision goggles, assault rifles, sights and ammunition to the Zetas cartel in 2010.
In a separate case that hits San Antonio's federal court next week, arraignment is set for Paul Whipple, 34, of Hondo. The former Border Patrol agent is accused of producing child pornography and then sharing it online with other collectors.
According to court papers, an unnamed foreign law enforcement agency tipped off the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which forwarded the matter to the FBI.The files show a girl being sexually assaulted. Agents with the FBI believe the photos were taken inside Whippleâs home. The federal affidavit says when agents interviewed Whipple, he admitted to producing the videos.
If convicted, Whipple faces 15 years to 30 years in prison.