Va. Lawyer Accused of Producing Child Porn

A lawyer from Virginia has been accused of making and possessing child pornography of a teenage girl.

Joshua Gessler, 41, of McLean, allegedly found a runaway 15-year-old prostitute online in April and offered her $200 with the condition that she couldn't be camera shy, according to an affidavit. He also wanted to bring items of bondage -- Velcro-style straps for her wrists and ankles and a dog collar.

On April 22, a man who called himself "Jay" picked the teenager up near her Centreville home and took her to a wooded area where the sex acts were photographed, according to authorities. The girl later told police she was paid an extra $100 for allowing the photographs to be taken.

Gessler is accused of producing the photographs and transmitting them online.

The child porn revelation came after the girl's mother gave investigators access to the girl's e-mail, which included nine explicit pictures that were traced back to the lawyer.

Gessler is charged with one count of producing child pornography and five counts of possession.

The investigation began in May as a search for the missing juvenile.

Gessler, an attorney for the Arnold and Porter law firm in Tysons Corner, had no comment for NBC4 Monday. He was also on the adjunct law faculty at George Mason University but was not scheduled to teach there this fall.


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