Nursing home resident admits to child sex abuse material charge [Video]

WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. — A man who was living in an assisted living facility in Webster Groves is now facing up to 20 years in prison after admitting that he had more than 180,000 pieces of child sexual abuse material.

According to a press release from federal prosecutors, 76-year-old Joseph J. Fitzsimmons pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of child pornography in federal court Monday.

The press release said Fitzsimmons was getting help with his internet connection after moving into an assisted living facility in Webster Groves in March of 2023. An employee at the facility saw two images containing child sexual abuse material while helping Fitzsimmons with the internet.

The employee then contacted the Webster Groves Police Department, which worked with the St. …