Pedophiles can be found at every social and economic level and can be established members of the community. Sadly, we have all read stories in local newspapers concerning members of clergy, respected businessmen and schoolteachers who were exposed as pedophiles or child molesters(Fass, 1997). In 1985, a Roman Catholic priest in Louisiana pled guilty to 33 charges of sexual abuse against 33 boys. He later admitted that he molested several dozen others. He was released in 1995 and later arrested again for the rape of a twelve year old girl(CNN, Jan. 28, 1997).
In one of America's worst cases of clergy who molest parishioners, the Santa Fe diocese in New Mexico settled 165 sexual abuse cases in 1997(CNN, Jan. 28, 1997). Over 20 priests were removed from their positions and civil settlements may exceed $50 million dollars. Incredibly, an archbishop involved in the case said he didn't know that sexual abuse was a crime(CNN, Jan.28, 1997). But unlike this priest, the majority of pedophiles never cross that line into active child molestation. They mostly will remain quiet, keep to themselves and pursue their sexual interests at home.
Many of these offenders have extensive collections of child pornography or child erotica that feed their fantasy world. These photos and drawings will typically be cut from newspapers and magazines that other people would find inoffensive or even innocuous(Lanning, 1992). Pedophiles will frequently videotape children from television shows and commercials. They will also attend sporting events in schools and surreptitiously tape these events. Undoubtedly, the notorious video clip of JonBenet Ramsey participating at a Colorado beauty pageant has found its way into the video libraries of pedophiles across the country(Lanning,1992).
These collections of pornography are often considered the pedophiles most valued possession (Lanning, 1992). The collection represents years of work and symbolizes, in tangible form, his inner most sexual fantasies and thoughts.