Warning: content contains material that may not be suitable for all readers.
A Spooner, WI, man is facing charges of Possession of Child Pornography as well as charges for Manufacturing Marijuana following an investigation by the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), assisted by the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office.
A criminal complaint filed in Washburn County Circuit Court against Mark Dezek, of Spooner, WI, states that on January 22, 2018, Special Agents with DCI executed a search warrant at Dezek’s residence on County Highway E.
Dezek was interviewed by the Special Agents, and according to the criminal complaint, he stated that he uses a cell phone that he purchased at Walmart to access the internet. Dezek allegedly told the Agents that although he does look at pornographic images, he never wanted to look at images of pornography that were of females under the age of 18. Dezek went on to say that he saw those images because they would ‘pop up’ while he was searching for adult pornographic images.
Dezek allegedly told the Agents that he estimated that there may be about a dozen photographs of child pornography on his cell phone. He also stated that he would search for “nude 18s” and “nude teens”. The criminal complaint goes on to state that Dezek said he didn’t look at the photographs for sexual purposes, but instead as “eye candy”. Dezek said that he thought that the ages of the children depicted in the child pornographic photographs on his phone ranged from 16 years old to 7 years old.
In the process of executing the search warrant, investigating officers also found nearly 600 grams of marijuana; numerous marijuana seeds; over 600 gem bags (of the type used for packaging controlled substances); 2 smoking bongs; 2 marijuana grinders; and numerous other assorted items of drug paraphernalia.
According to the criminal complaint, Dezek told the Agents that he grew the marijuana in the summer months and harvested it. He allegedly denied selling or distributing any marijuana to anyone else and said that he has chronic pain and uses the marijuana for that purpose.
Dezek is charged with 10 Counts of Class D Felony Possession of Child Pornography. The maximum penalty if convicted as charged is imprisonment for not more than 25 years, a maximum fine of $100,000, or both. In addition, under Wisconsin State Statute, the Court shall impose a $500 surcharge for each image or copy of an image.
Charges of Class H Felony Manufacture THC (Marijuana) More Than 200 Grams but not More Than 1,000 Grams; Misdemeanor Possession of THC (Marijuana); and 2 Counts of Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia are also filed against Dezek.
Online circuit court records show that Dezek appeared in Washburn County Circuit Court on January 22, 2018, for a bail bond hearing regarding his criminal charges. The Court placed Dezek on a $500 signature bond. He is due to appear next in March of 2018
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Last Update: Feb 28, 2018 11:38 am CST
