Maryland Man Arrested Over Global Child Exploitation Scheme

Philip Andrew Turner, a 46-year-old man from Linthicum Heights, Maryland, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual solicitation of minors, production, and possession of child pornography. The investigation, initiated in 2024 by Homeland Security Investigations Maryland, uncovered his involvement in the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children, particularly in the Philippines, via online platforms that allowed live direction of abusive acts. Turner allegedly directed girls aged 10 to 13 to engage in child pornography during virtual meetings, with evidence including thousands of messages, calls, and media files exchanged with traffickers. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Turner's home and vehicle, leading to his arrest without incident. He is currently held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Anne Arundel County, awaiting his initial court appearance. This case is part of Maryland's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force effort to combat online child exploitation.