A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist from the Washington Post is facing federal charges after investigators allegedly found child sexual abuse material on his work computer during a raid on his home.

Veteran video journalist Thomas Pham LeGro was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography following a federal investigation linking him to explicit materials found on electronic devices at his Washington, D.C., residence, as the Daily Mail reports.

LeGro, 48, appeared in court Friday after being taken into custody in connection with a federal child pornography investigation. Lawyers for the U.S. Attorney’s Office allege that law enforcement discovered 11 illicit videos on a laptop during a Thursday search of his home. Officials say the laptop taken during the raid belonged to LeGro and was used for his work at the Post.

According to court documents, investigators executed a federal warrant on June 27 and seized several digital devices, including a fractured hard drive. During the operation, officials from the FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department processed evidence allegedly tying LeGro to child sexual abuse imagery. These findings have led to formal federal charges carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

LeGro has worked as a video journalist at the Post for over 18 years, serving in two separate stints since 2000. Most recently, he was promoted to deputy video editor in early 2024. Among his professional accomplishments, LeGro contributed to the newspaper’s 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of allegations against former Senate candidate Roy Moore.

Wide-ranging allegations spark federal probe

The current charges are related to a broader investigation that dates back nearly two decades. Officials with the FBI noted that LeGro had previously surfaced as a subject in a 2005 probe involving financial accounts used to support websites containing child pornography. While those historical links did not lead to timely prosecution, investigators kept records connecting LeGro to a now-defunct E-Gold account flagged in that case.

Documents from a 2006 subpoena showed that the same E-Gold account -- and two others -- could be traced to an address and phone number matching LeGro’s information. At the time, these associations were not conclusive enough for criminal action. However, with new evidence and surveillance efforts now in place, authorities reopened the inquiry in May 2025.

Through a supervised court order, federal agents began monitoring a Verizon internet account registered in LeGro’s name. This renewed probe ultimately led to the discovery of digital content allegedly confirming illegal activity, which prosecutors argue justifies the latest round of federal charges.

Justice Department initiative plays key role

Legal experts say the case falls under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, a national framework formed to battle internet-based crimes against minors. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, a former television legal analyst who now leads the district’s federal prosecutions, emphasized the importance of the public-private partnership shaping the initiative.

“In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse,” Pirro said in a statement following LeGro’s arraignment. The initiative, she explained, brings together state and federal law enforcement teams to find, arrest, and prosecute such offenders.

Additional public safety officials named in the press release include Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen, both of whom confirmed the joint operations behind the LeGro arrest.

Washington Post responds

In response to news of the arrest, the Post issued a brief statement addressing LeGro’s employment status. “The Washington Post said that it ‘understands the severity of these allegations, and the employee has been placed on leave,’” according to the statement. No further comment has been issued by the publication or representatives for LeGro.

This arrest places the Washington Post under scrutiny, given LeGro’s role in producing sensitive journalism. His involvement in significant investigations, including the Roy Moore scandal, has led to broader questions about internal safeguards and vetting procedures within major newsrooms. Neither the newspaper nor its legal team has been accused of wrongdoing as part of the case.

Despite having worked in a trusted media organization, LeGro is now facing serious legal consequences. If convicted, he may serve up to two decades in federal prison. He has not entered a plea at this time.

Lessons to learn

1. Trust but verify digital activity at work and home: The case underscores the importance of monitoring digital devices and accounts, even in professional settings. It’s crucial for organizations and families to implement safeguards and conduct routine audits where appropriate.

2. Stay informed about federal child protection programs: Understanding initiatives like Project Safe Childhood allows individuals to recognize how federal agencies combat online exploitation. Knowledge of these tools can empower communities to report suspicious behaviors.

3. Recognize that crime knows no profession: Anyone can commit or be accused of a crime, regardless of status or career. While it’s vital to stay cautious and alert, blame should never fall on victims or their circumstances. Everyone deserves protection and justice.

Why this story matters

The charges against Thomas LeGro raise urgent questions about oversight, trust, and accountability—especially within influential institutions like national media outlets.

This story highlights how past investigative threads can resurface with modern tools and renewed commitment to public safety. It also reminds the public that safeguarding children online remains an evolving challenge requiring constant vigilance.