Special Agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Partner with the Fond du Lac Police Department in Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Operation

Scott J. Bernhardt Arrested, Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

MADISON — On Monday, February 25, 2013, special agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), with assistance from a detective with the Fond du Lac Police Department, interviewed Scott J. Bernhardt at his home, located at 275 14th Street in the City of Fond du Lac.  

According to the Criminal Complaint, an on-scene forensic preview of Bernhardt’s laptop computer uncovered hundreds of sexually explicit images of children in a folder saved to the computer’s hard drive.  In an interview with investigators, Bernhardt admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography for the last ten to 15 years, according to the complaint. 

On Thursday, February 28, 2013, Bernhardt was charged with one count of Possession of Child Pornography, a felony.  A preliminary hearing in this case is scheduled for March 8, 2013, at 9:30 am in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court.    

The Fond du Lac Police Department is a member of Wisconsin's ICAC Task Force.  Questions concerning this case should be directed to the Fond du Lac County District Attorney's Office.  A defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence.  The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.