Owner of Security Camera Company Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Larry Dean Drommerhausen, 53, of Newport News, owner of Independent Systems, a Newport News business that installs video surveillance equipment, has been arrested and charged with production of child pornography. Drommerhausen appeared in U.S. district court in Norfolk this afternoon for his detention hearing.

According to court documents and court proceedings, Drommerhausen came to the attention of the FBI after numerous files containing child pornography were downloaded from his computer. On April 4, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home and interviewed Drommerhausen, in addition to seizing numerous electronic devices.  During the interview, Drommerhausen stated he owns a business that installs regular and hidden cameras, and that he had seen child pornography on hidden camera forums online. He also stated that he has adopted a child and has been a foster parent for numerous children who have been physically or sexually abused.

The FBI’s Norfolk Field Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional potential victims.  Individuals with information regarding this case should contact the FBI at   (757) 609-2398.

Drommerhausen faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and John S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after Drommerhausen’s detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa R. McKeel and Megan M. Cowles are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:16-mj-78.