- Robert Layne Magann, 57, was charged Monday with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
- Magann, a therapist for children with disabilities, is accused of possessing child sex abuse material.
- Prosecutors seek to deny bail, citing his alleged active pursuit of vulnerable children.
SALT LAKE CITY — A Magna man who investigators say is "actively in a position of special trust with children with disabilities as a therapist" and who "seeks out opportunities to be around children" is facing charges of possessing child sex abuse material.
Robert Layne Magann, 57, was charged Monday in 3rd District Court with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.
The investigation began in January when the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children task force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Magann was uploading suspected child sex abuse material, according to charging documents.
While investigating Magann, detectives say they found a social media post he made looking for children to tutor or babysit. Magann described himself in the post as "a dedicated child care provider with years of life wisdom and hands-on experience. As a licensed daycare provider and former substitute teacher, I specialize in nurturing school-age children, supporting those with special needs … and creating safe and fun environments. I'm fully background checked, CPR/first aid-certified, and passionate about being a positive male role model," charging documents state.
Last week, police served a search warrant at Magann's home and arrested him. Investigators reported locating "hundreds of files of child sex abuse material" on his phone and computer memory card.
"He admitted to having child sex abuse material for at least 20 years," the charges state. "Magann was concerned about what would happen to his job and stated, 'I wanna keep working with autistic children.' He explained that he loves kids and loves working with them as a behavioral therapist for autistic children."
Prosecutors have requested that Magann be held in the Salt Lake County Jail without the possibility of posting bail pending trial, noting that in addition to holding a position of special trust over children with disabilities, he is actively seeking out more children, "especially those with disabilities, by advertising as a babysitter and tutor."
