Sunspot Solar Observatory in New Mexico was shut down for a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as the janitor was suspected of using the facility's internet to download child pornography. A federal search warrant revealed that the source of child pornography can be traced to an IP address used at the observatory. After a search by the FBI, it was found out that the janitor was the main suspect.

While his name is on the warrant, he has not been charged with a crime. The 39-page search warrant application states that the facility’s chief observer said he had found, the same laptop hidden being used in various seldom-used offices around the observatory at several occasions. The observatory is located in the mountains of southern New Mexico in Lincoln National Forest. It was shut down because of an undisclosed security concern and reopened on Monday. Child Porn WhatsApp Group Busted in Mumbai, Police Arrest 5 Youths.

The affidavit says that the observatory officials decided to close and evacuate the site so that the suspect does not pose any danger to other personnel. The warrant states that the suspect used the observatory's Wifi and personal laptop to download child porn. FBI could narrow down to the culprit as limited people have access to the observatory from morning to evening. For the investigation, the observatory was closed for 11 days from September 6.

An FBI official said she was "investigating the activities of an individual who was utilizing the wireless internet service of the National Solar Observatory … to download and distribute child pornography". According to FBI records, last week, officials retrieved three cell phones, five laptops, one iPad, an external hard drive, and other electronic devices, from the suspect’s home. Child Porn: Whatsapp, Google, Facebook, YouTube and Other Internet Giants Fined For Not Blocking Rape Videos.

An FBI spokesman said the case is still under investigation.  The National Solar Observatory in Sunspot's evacuation without public explanation on September 6 lead sparked various talks and rumours as it is close to two U.S. military installations. Internet users also pointed out its proximity to Roswell where unidentified flying objects (UFOs) were found in 1947 also surfaced.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2018 12:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).