POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – A Pompano Beach man who was arrested Wednesday on child pornography charges was found watching children playing at a splash pad on the beach, deputies said.
Broward Sheriff's Office detectives began investigating Patrick Brogie in late March after receiving information that he had child porn on his cellphone, BSO spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion said.
Witnesses told detectives that Brogie, 55, often frequented the area near the splash pad in Pompano Beach, but they had been unable to find him.
Detectives obtained a warrant for Brogie's arrest Tuesday and found him the next day, sitting by the splash pad where children were playing, Concepcion said.
A search of Brogie's phone revealed that he often searched for keywords specifically seeking images and videos involving children, Concepcion said.
Detectives also found photos of girls between the ages of 3 and 6 at the splash pad, Concepcion said. She said the photos were of the girls' buttocks as they were bending over in their bathing suits.
"The world can be a scary place," one parent, Chris Wirtz, said. "You just have to be aware of your surroundings, their surroundings and always be keeping an eye (out)."
Brogie is also wanted in Germany on an outstanding warrant for a 2008 incident involving child sex abuse.
Investigators believe that Brogie could have had inappropriate contact with South Florida children. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Nick Masters at 954-888-5264.