Washington Man Arrested After Interviewing For Police Job . . . And Revealing A Child Porn Habit

Daniel Salata, 32, violated the first cardinal rule of interviews: Never incriminate yourself in any criminal conduct in the course of your interview. Most people seem to be able to navigate around possible crimes fairly easily but Salata not only opted to disclose a penchant for child pornography but did it in an interview for a job with the Mount Vernon Police Department. The result of the incriminating statements made in pre-employment screening has now led to his rapid introduction to the criminal justice system . . . as a defendant.

During the pre-employment process, Salata disclosed that he views and stores child porn on his home computers. The officers that he hoped to serve with then served him with a search warrant and removed three computers, external hard drives, and other computer components. They turned out, according to the police, to contain more than 340 images and one video depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Police also found installed data destruction software that could be used to destroy evidence of such crimes.

Salata is now booked on suspicion of four counts of first-degree and second-degree possession of child pornography — two counts bringing a maximum of 10-year terms. It is likely that additional charges will be filed.

Usually, the best tips for interviews follow such lines as “don’t sit in the biggest chair in the room” or “wear something professional.” The “don’t incriminate yourself” is usually understood but seems to escape some folks. Indeed, the case is reminiscent of another case where an interview produced incriminating evidence of pornography.

Tough interviews and even tougher call backs.

Source: Komo News