In January 2022, Auburn police received a file from the Seattle Police Department containing a Cyber Tipline Report initiated by Facebook, to which were attached 18 files of imagery depicting sexual abuse of girls from ages 6 to 10.

Auburn police say that during the months-long investigation that followed, they were able to link those files to an Auburn man.

On Sept. 6, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Gabriel Lee Chadderton, 43, with one count of first-degree dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and a second count of first-degree possession of such depictions.

At the request for bail and conditions of release hearing on Sept. 2, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Laura J. Harmon asked the presiding judge to set Chadderton’s bail at $50,000, owing to the likelihood, she said, that Chadderton would commit a violent offense given “the depraved nature of the depictions,” which he allegedly disseminated, exchanged and encouraged like-minded individuals to trade.

Harmon also cited Chatterton’s criminal history, comprised of one conviction for 3rd-degree assault in 1988, and a prior warrant issued in that case.

“The defendant is now charged with peddling in the misery of sexually-abused children to satiate deviant interests and therefore has evidenced the threat he poses to community safety, most specifically minor children,” Harmon wrote.

Here is a brief summary of the Auburn Police Department’s Certification for Determination of Probable Cause prepared by Auburn Police Detective Vincent Martinez.

On Jan. 23, 2022, the Seattle Police Department provided Martinez with the Cyber Tipline Report. By means of diligent police work and cyber-sleuthing, according to documents, Martinez was able to link those files and more — with such names as “Daddy’s Little Ones,” “Cute Little Angels” and “Dazzling Girls” — to Chadderton.

On Sept. 1, Auburn police arrested Chadderton as he left his residence. During the following interview, court records say, he allegedly admitted he had a pornography addiction and often “goes down rabbit holes” and views or exchanges child pornography.

Of the several Facebook messages police collected as part of the evidence, Chadderton allegedly said he didn’t remember the particular conversations, but probably engaged in them.

Harmon said Chadderton’s alleged collection of sexual abuse materials indicate his particular interest in the sadistic sexual abuse of very minor children.

“In light of his history and the incredible threat he poses to the community, $50,000 bail provides some measure of accountability and endeavors to ensure the defendant’s appearance at future hearings,” Harmon said.