A convicted sex offender suspected of surreptitiously taking photos of girls at the Federal Way store where he works was arrested Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Gregory Sean O’Neall, 51, of Des Moines , who is believed not be a U.S. citizen, made his first court appearance after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement agents. His postings on an online file sharing site grabbed the attention of agents, who said he was distributing online child pornography.
During a chat with an undercover agent, O’Neall allegedly discussed several of the photos.
More than 100 photos were discovered online. Authorities allege O’Neall took them of girls shopping with their families at stores, including the Federal Way Costco where he worked.
Parents who believe their children might have been photographed were asked to call ICE’s voicemail hot line at 206-442-1638.
If convicted, O’Neall could face at least 15 years in prison.
stacia.glenn@ thenewstribune.com
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