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Library visitor arrested in child porn probe
STORY TOOLS 
More from CamarilloA Camarillo man was arrested Monday in the city's library after a plainclothes detective reported him viewing child pornography on the Internet, and a later investigation turned up "quite possibly thousands" of pieces of pornography in the man's home and "disturbing items" in his car, police said.
Richard Ballard, 57, was being held in Ventura County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail on suspicion of possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child.
The case began March 31, when a visitor at the Camarillo library saw a man viewing child pornography at one of the public Internet workstations, according to a statement from the Camarillo Police Department.
The visitor told the library staff, who in turn reported the incident to law enforcement.
The man was gone when deputies arrived, but his image was captured by security video cameras inside the library, authorities said.
He was seen again at the library about 12:30 p.m. Monday, and authorities said a staff member called the Southern California High Tech Task Force.
A plainclothes detective responded and saw the man viewing child pornography at a workstation in clear view of anyone nearby and took him into custody, authorities said.
A search of Ballard's residence revealed "possibly thousands" of images involving the sexual exploitation of children, police said.
Authorities said they found "disturbing items" — including blankets, ropes and duct tape — in the trunk of Ballard's car and a bag of candy in the glove box.
Ballard is 5 feet 7 inches tall and 150 pounds. His car is a white 1986 Cadillac El Dorado.
Anyone who has had suspicious or adverse contact with Ballard is asked to call Detective Kevin Donoghue at 383-8704.
Posted by Face on April 16, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is it Libraries have become child porn masturbation centers? One cannot even think of taking their child to a library anymore. The libraries think it is censorship, but having filters and protecting the public is more important than allowing sick individuals to abuse their privilege and the rights of others. If I ever go into a Library and see this, I will keep yelling "Child Pornographer!" and pointing at the individual until the police come and I am arrested for disturbing the peace.
Posted by keepin_it_real on April 16, 2008 at 8:48 a.m.
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Posted by Face on April 16, 2008 at 8:49 a.m.
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Posted by tathiba1 on April 16, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why did it take so long for the police to get to him the first time he was spotted?
The police station is only 2 blocks away.
Posted by socalromans on April 16, 2008 at 9:10 a.m.
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Posted by JenLynn on April 16, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
$50,000 is not enough bail. He should not be allowed bail.
Posted by AnMa on April 16, 2008 at 9:42 a.m.
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Posted by tsetsaf on April 16, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember when the ACLU fought against website filters at public libraries? http://www.news.com/ACLU-slams-librar...
This seems like a good example of a library needing filters.
Posted by FedUp on April 16, 2008 at 10:26 a.m.
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Posted by letg58 on April 16, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GLAD, HE GOT ARRESTED. LET'S HOPE THE LAW DOESN'T LET US DOWN & RELEASE HIM. PERV!
Posted by ox4me on April 16, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Obviously Mr Camarillo is an elist.
Posted by Fred on April 16, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Noah,
So you 100% agree with the VCS in never mentioning race when describing a suspect?
I do not like it at all when people run with generalizations upon a single report but I also think the Star is spineless when reporting a suspect at large and then reporting other characteristics such as sex, height, weight, but omitting race. Noah, should we also limit the mention of sex, height, weight, etc in these descriptions?
I 100% believe that crimes are due to socioeconimic status and not race.
Fred
Posted by Ms_California on April 16, 2008 at 11:34 a.m.
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Posted by oxnard40 on April 16, 2008 at 11:54 a.m.
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Posted by FedUp on April 16, 2008 at 12:08 p.m.
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Posted by BeaHappi on April 16, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh good grief people; quit making this an Oxnard vs. Camarillo debate!
Bottom line is that one sicko is off the streets and no one can argue that this is a very good thing.
In addition to the lobotomy, perhaps chemical castration is justified. ANYTHING to prevent someone from ever hurting a child.
Posted by kosmoz13 on April 16, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Ballard will now be logged into this system so we can track his residence, along with all the other sick freaks in the area.
TO FIND SEX OFFENDERS IN YOUR AREA:
http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/
the link to access the database is at the bottom of the first page. You can verify his exact address, not some other Mr. Ballard. This one, that got busted.
Posted by kosmoz13 on April 16, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
only thing is, I wonder how long it will take them to enter him in this handy dandy database....
Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 16, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THis guy is sick! Not even caring who walks past and see's what he is viewing? Well I am glad he was arrested and I hope he pays dearly for this sick offense.
Posted by blu on April 16, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Go to www.FamilyWatchDog.us to view offenders in your area.
Let's pray he gets sent to prison for a VERY long time and receives what he planned, or possible did to other children.
Posted by justmeinsp on April 16, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
where's his picture?!?!? I want to see who we need to look out for. what an idiot to use public computers for such a vile, repulsive reason... I want to see his face so I'll know if he's in my library; he can get another car, but unless he undergoes plastic surgery, he can't get a new face...
Posted by zulumaster on April 16, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you can thank the useless aclu for criminals like this to be able to view child porn in a library!!!
Posted by julsthemom on April 16, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...and I actually have people ask me why I don't let my kids walk the four blocks to school. These monsters are everywhere. Unfortunately, our penal system goes light on them, rapists and even some murderers. If you really think about it....only those that steal, do drugs or cheat the government get long jail sentances and high bail. Just proves that no community is safe. Thank God that he was caught before (at least that we know of at this point) he nabbed someones child.
Posted by Incognito247 on April 16, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KEYT (KEY3) in Santa Barbara is running a photo with their story on this:
http://www.keyt.com/news/local/178019...
Posted by hogiepops on April 16, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FYI - THERE ARE MULTIPLE RICHARD BALLARD 'S IN THE VENTURA COUNTY AREA -DON'T confuse them- use this site:
TO FIND SEX OFFENDERS IN YOUR AREA:
http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/
Posted by hotwildflower on April 16, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I take my kids to this library and I have never felt safe allowing them out of my sight there. The library should be a safe place for kids to explore books but it feels like it would be a haven for pedophiles.
Thank goodness they have caught this guy...please please please keep him off the streets and protect our children!
Posted by Smokey on April 16, 2008 at 3:45 p.m.
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Posted by bmclean , Moderator, on April 16, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A comment left earlier today listed an address in relation to this case. The person at that address has nothing to do with this case and the address should never have been posted. The person who posted the address has been banned.
Bruce McLean
Digital Media Manager
VenturaCountyStar.com
Posted by hotwildflower on April 16, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As helpful as the Megan's law site it, it is not 100% accurate. These sex offenders aren't always in compliance and can use old addresses to continue to register.
This is one area I would love to see more tax dollars spent, paying for officers to keep better track of these people. I understand the number is growing and the ability to keep track is getting harder and harder. While I would ultimately prefer they not be free at all...while that is not a true option, we just have to hope there are enough officers to keep track of them.
Posted by BeaHappi on April 16, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hotwildflower - I totally agree with you. Something like Lojack except for convicted (and paroled) sex-offenders. Before they are paroled they get a chip implanted and they are trackable for the rest of their lives.
Probably too big brother for some, but honestly, are sexual predators ever really "cured?"
Those who commit horrible crimes against kids should just be taken out behind the court house and shot...in my humble opinion.
Posted by res1q7et on April 16, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you to the library patron and the library staff for keeping a watchful eye and for alerting the authorities. Your actions are greatly appreciated!
Posted by lyoniss on April 16, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just Thank God that this Guy was drawn to public places and that he kept comming back to build his courage before he acted on his appart premeditate scheme...I thank God that someone was brave enough to report him to the Librarian and that we do have task force's and Camera's in place in order to catch these type of offenders....and Guys just to play Devils advocate...if we indeed had filter on Our library computers would we have been aware of this individuals perversion so quickly????
They will go out in Public to test their ideas and to build their courage...Thank God he was dumb enough to come to Camarillo:)
Posted by JesusMalverde on April 16, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It should bring us some conmfort that the library staff was quick to report the incident and that the Camarillo Police Department (Ventura Sheriff) took care of business. They should be commended, especially the library staff, for their efforts. AWESOME JOB!!!!
Posted by allison_briley on April 17, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just checked the Ventura County Inmate Information webpage. Looks like bail has been increased to $250,000. A little better, but still too low!!!
Posted by 805m0mma on April 17, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
great job of the staff being aware of this sicko! so sad that pervs have resorted to libraries! but thankfully he did have the nerve to come there, otherwise who knows what have happen next!
Posted by julsthemom on April 17, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What do we do with these pervs...Well, let's think for a moment. We have had over 4000 troops killed in Iraq, why don't we just implement a law that says if you are a child molester, you will be sent to the most dangerous parts of Iraq in place of the troops. To those that say that they would run away there...they would not make it even a minute as the laws are very different over there....let's bring some of the good guys home alive and send these creeps off.
Posted by ebrockway on April 17, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
julsthemom;
Hey now, hold it right there! I aint having this perv in my squad, and neither are any of my Seabees.
Posted by julsthemom on April 17, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not in your squad...one of their own...right on the front lines.
Posted by Metalhaid on April 17, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ebrockway, I salute you, your squad, and all members of the Armed Forces who are serving their country with such bravery, commitment and honor... it's just so sad that a piece of human crap like this creep also partakes of the liberties and civil rights that you and your comrades give your very lives for.
I pray that justice is done here and this guy winds up face down in a prison toilet.
Potential jury members, you must remember this case and keep in mind what the cops found in his car. DEATH TO CHILD MOLESTERS AND THEIR ILK.
Posted by 805Mommaof2 on April 18, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We need to protect our children...protect our future by insuring that these kind of people are never let back out into the public, I do not believe that they can ever be rehabilitated! It is so scary...it seems there is a lot of people out there like this, were they in fact a victim of child abuse/molestion? We need to stop the vicious cycle and enforce harsher punishments on these types! PROTECT OUR CHILDREN, PROTECT OUR FUTURE! God help us and protect our children when we can't.
Posted by sstflyer on April 19, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He sounds like a nice client for Louis "Chuck" Samonsky or James Farley. They'll defend anyone for a $!
Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 22, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bea, I agree! There is NO cure for this sickness. I think we should just do away with them. Although I do not believe in Murder I pray God handles this.
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