SWAT Police Officer Arrested for Sexual Abuse and Child Pornography



Baltimore Police Department patch
Baltimore Police Department

15 Charges Filed Against Police Officer

(MD) – 51-year old SWAT officer, Donald Hildebrandt, with the Baltimore Police Department, has been arrested on 15 charges related to the sexual abuse of minors. According to Justice.org, “…on October 18, 2020, law enforcement received a complaint that Donald Hildebrandt had been discovered in a room with a minor female with his erect penis exposed.  Another minor had reported the incident.” Law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant and searched Hildebrandt’s house two days later and confiscated multiple electronic devices.

The investigation discovered that Hildebrandt had encrypted files that contained still photos and videos “showing sexual abuse of minors, including prepubescent victims.”

According to the Baltimore Sun,

“Donald Hildebrandt, 51, was first arrested last fall after members of the Harford County Child Advocacy Center were told that Hildebrandt had assaulted a minor. The additional evidence — including that Hildebrandt possessed the address of a web site described as a “safe zone for pedo folks” — was uncovered after a search warrant was executed at his Bel Air residence, according to court documents.”

Federal Investigators Add Obstruction of Justice

It seems that Hildebrandt was given a bail bond and was able to bond out of jail. It also appears that he was able to get back at least some of his electronics. According to CBS Baltimore,

“A witness told investigators that Hildebrandt reset his tablet in Jan. 2021. Another forensic review of the previously seized tablet showed signs consistent with a factory rests. However, analysts found more child porn in his iCloud.”

When Hildebrandt tried to obliterate evidence, he set himself up for an obstruction of justice charge. But it seems, even knowing that he was being investigated, he was unable to stop searching for child pornography and had added more to his iCloud. Hildebrandt was arrested for the second time, on March 1.

United States Attorney’s Office Announces Charges

The investigation into Donald Hildebrandt was conducted by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations with the charges being brought against him by the United States Attorney’s Office. Though he has 15 charges, they would more than likely run concurrent. That means he would spend a minimum of 15 years in federal prison, up to a maximum of 30 years. More than likely he has state charges pending against him also.

Hildebrandt has been suspended without pay since his first arrest. A judge has given him a bail bond of $100,000 for the second arrest. I was unable to find out if he has posted bond or is still in jail.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

800-656-HOPE (4673)

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