Transcribed by
The following is a typed transcript
of the original .pdf file released on
November 2, 2006 by the
Sonoma County Sheriff’s
Department, California
Original Title Page Read As Follows:
The following documents comprise the
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department's
investigation in John Mark Karr.
These documents have been
approved for public release.
Warning: These documents contain
sexually explicit material and discuss
violence against children
Page 1 of 29
March 19, 2001
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 2 of 29
Witness:
Karr, Lara Marie
204 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, Ca
Race: White
Sex: Female
DOB: (BLOCKED OUT)
Witness:
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
Summary:
Through work with a Confidential Reliable Informant, the suspect was investigated for his possible involvement in the Georgia Moses Homicide, possible Child Molestation(s) and possession of child pornography.
After further investigation and monitoring of several telephone and e-mail conversations, it was determined that the suspect was not responsible for the death of Georgia Moses. The investigation further showed that the suspect was involved in possible Child Molestation(s) in several different jurisdictions, in and out of the state of California. Following the service of a Search Warrant, the suspect was found to be in possession of Child Pornography.
It should be noted that the suspect was an Elementary School teacher at the time the investigation was conducted. Furthermore, based on the information from this investigation, two different Profilers came to the opinion that the suspect had a definite proclivity toward pedophilia.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 3 of 29
DOB: 12/11/1964
Height: 5'06"
Weight: 140
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Body: Thin
Skin: Light
Occupation: Elementary School Teacher
Place of Birth: Georgia
Citizen: United States
Address: 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, Ca 94952
Vehicle: 87 Jaguar, California plates, dark grey
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 4 of 29
Involved Party / Suspect:
John Mark Karr
(BLOCKED OUT)
2004 Chetwood Dr., Petuluma, Ca 94952
(BLOCKED OUT)
Witness:
Lora Marie Karr
(BLOCKED OUT)
2004 Chetwood Dr., Petuluma, Ca 94952
(BLOCKED OUT)
Witness:
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
Witness:
Reneau Karr
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
(BLOCKED OUT)
Narrative:
On 03/19/01 at 1400 hours, I was contacted by a Confidential Reliable Informant who told me he/she had been communicating with a male subject, later identified as John Mark Karr, over the Internet and by telephone. The CRI told me that he/she was concerned about Karr's possible involvement in the murder of Georgia Moses, child molestation(s) and possession of child pornography. Additionally, the CRI said that Karr claimed to be a certified elementary school teacher and was currently teaching in the Napa County area. The CRI said that he/she was concerned that Karr was looking for a victim at the school and contacted me for assistance.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 5 of 29
The CRI forwarded me several e-mail correspondence from Karr, in which he described deviant behavior with his female students and his "special love” for young girls ranging form age 6 to 9 years of age. The e-mail correspondences related to inadvertent and / or friendly behavior on the part of the children (students), which causes Karr to become sexually aroused. Karr further described his touching, caressing and desire to have intimate relations with one of the children (students). In the e-mail messages Karr states that he believes that the children are "falling in love with him."
Through the correspondences and telephone calls, Karr has developed a trusting relationship with the CRI. This trust was based on the fact that the CRI has ties to Richard Allen Davis and communicates with him on a regular basis. Karr is fascinated with Davis and the sexual molestation and murder of Polly Klaas. Karr states that he has a special relationship and connection with Polly Klaas and her spirit.
On 03/19/01, the CRI and Karr exchanged e-mails. Karr told the CRI in an e-mail, "I have a lot to say concerning little girls I have known and continue to meet almost daily. I would think my biggest confession would be that I love some of these little girls beyond any description of words." This e-mail continues and Karr states, "Many of my students are Hispanic. They are, so far, very reserved. Many of them are extremely attractive. They seem to be more mature for their ages. I have had some very affectionate encounters with some of them. They seem most serious about the love they give and get." "The little girls in the South were much more affectionate and blatant with their feelings for me. They were much more apt to hug me, kiss me and tell me they loved me."
On the same date there was another e-mail from Karr to the CRI. He wrote, "I am so glad that my love for children is obvious. I have touched many lives and hope to touch so many more;. In the midst of anything I could have done positively for my little friends, they have repaid me one hundred times over. Sometimes, it is enough only to be in their presence. I feel my connection with deceased little girls like Polly is due to the unreal connection I have with the living little girls. It is through the passionate connection that bonds me with the many hundreds of living little girls that draws me closer to those little girls who are now dead. Much of my life has revolved around my career and my career has revolved around those wonderful little girls. I had the rare chance recently of working only with little girls. There was an intense presence the entire time I was with them. I love my wonderful boys and all those boys I have come in contact with but my little girls hold a unique place in my heart."
On 03/20/01 Karr wrote the CRI an e-mail which stated, "I have experienced a perfect love with my little girls - a love I will describe to you, by and by."
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 6 of 29
During the same time frame as the e-mail conversations, the CRI talked with Karr on the telephone several times. The e-mails were talked about, confirming that Karr is the one who sent the e-mails. Karr told the CRI that he knows a lot about computer security and that he has to take a lot of precautions to protect the privacy of his computer since he has lots of sensitive material on it. Karr also talked about encryption and other ways to hide sensitive material.
On 03/21/01 at 1330 hours, I telephoned Detective Sgt. Contos of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Unit and advised him of this investigation. I explained to him, based on information acquired in the investigation, it appeared as though Karr was not involved in the Georgia Moses Homicide. I further explained that the investigation had completely switched into a possible child molestation and child pornography case. Sgt. Contos said that he would assign one of the DVSA Detective's to assist in the case and recommended that I contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations for assistance.
On 03/21/01 at 1610 hours, I telephone Special Agent Steve Wallberg of the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding this case. SA Wallberg said he would check into the matter and would return my call.
On 03/22/01 at 0830 hours, I contacted Detective Sgt. Bennett of the Atlanta Police Department in Georgia. I asked him if his department has had any records or contact with the suspect in this case. Sgt. Bennett told me that his department's computer records showed no information on a John Karr. Sgt. Bennett had no further information and I concluded the telephone call.
On 03/22/01 at 1000 hours, I contacted the Napa County Unified School District and the Napa County Office of Education and confirmed that John Karr was employed by both agencies.
CRI Body Wire meet with John Karr:
On 03/22/01, Karr requested to meet with the CRI at 1800 hours at Wickersham Park in Petaluma, which is located across the street from the house where Polly Klaas was abducted. I met with the CRI and provided him/her with a body wire. The CRI was transported to the Petaluma area and Detective Sergeant Steve Brown and I surveilled the location. It should be noted that Detective Sgt. Steve Brown monitored the body wire during the entire meeting between the CRI and Karr.
At approximately 1740 hours Detective Sgt. Brown and I surveilled the CRI who arrive at Walnut Park, which was the location agreed upon between Karr and the CRI. I observed the CRI meet with Karr as they got into a black Jaguar, California License (BLOCKED OUT) and drove to Wickersham Park. A records check was done on the license plate and it returned to a 1987 Jaguar, registered to John Mark Karr at 1040 Addison Circle, Petaluma.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 7 of 29
During the meeting, Karr talked about his feelings toward Polly and how close he felt to her. He further discussed his closeness to Richard Allen Davis and how he thought it was normal for Richard to kill Polly after a sexual relationship so that he could keep that special moment. Karr explained to the CRI how he thought Richard stalked Polly from the park and described his (Karr's) special relationship to Polly. Karr showed the CRI a certified death certificate of Polly Klaas. Karr stated that he had several special little girls in his car in the past. After the meeting, Detective Sergeant Brown surveilled Karr back to his residence at 1041 Addison Circle, Petaluma.
On 03/23/01 at 0830 hours, I retrieved a forwarded e-mail from the CRI in which Karr wrote to the CRI regarding their meeting on the 22nd. Karr stated "Polly's death certificate holds significance to me. When I open it up, it makes me weep for her. It allows me to hold something of hers that makes me feel connected to her." "I have had some wonderful relationships with some special little girls. I have loved many who have loved me in return." "I can't understand the urgency of everyone's concern over sex related to children or adults." "I am so honored by our statement above. Thank you for that. I think it is natural for little girls to fall in love and to be fallen in love with. I think it is natural for little girls to be lovely and highly desirable. I think it is natural for little girls of six to experience the same wonderful climactic sexual feelings as girls of sixteen. I also think it is natural for men to fall in love with those same wonderful little girls." "Someday, I would like to tell you about a lovely little seven-year-old I once fell in love with. (BLOCKED OUT). It was an experience I will never forget. I loved that little girl. She was dark haired and dark skinned. She was extremely attractive. (BLOCKED OUT)"
?? follow-up contacts:
On 03/23/01 at 0920 hours, I received a telephone call from Special Agent Steve Wallberg of the FBI. He advised me that he would forward the information to the San Francisco office and have the Sex Crimes Unit assist in the investigation.
On 03/23/01 at 1010 hours, I received a telephone call from Special Agent Liz Castaneda of the FBI. I explained the circumstances of the investigation and asked if the FBI could assist in the investigation. SA Castanedo told me that the FBI would assist in the investigation and requested I fax the e-mails to her office.
At 1130 hours, I faxed the requested documents to SSA Castanedo's office. The fax was 35 pages long and consisted of the cover page and 34 text pages. (I received a return fax confirmation notice that showed the faxed was sent and received.)
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 8 of 29
On 03/24/01, the CRI sent me an e-mail in which he/she stated that, during a telephone conversation, Karr said that he wanted him/her "to be more detailed and especially to talk about my feelings about little girls and mature men 'making love." Further, (BLOCKED OUT). He said it was not very long ago. He was going to college at the time, far away from home and had to commute a long way. He met this little girl in a playground that he used to hang out in, watching little girls. (BLOCKED OUT) "The little girl used to like to have her feet rubbed. He said the mother would say, "I'll leave you two alone so you can have your special time" and she would leave. He said he used to massage and kiss this little girl's feet."
The CRI forwarded a copy of an e-mail Karr had sent to him/her on 03/24/01. In it, Karr writes, "It is nice to tell you about the little girls I have loved." "I guess that's when I really started feeling as if I was bad. I hated losing that special bathing time." "Speaking of a certain age it should stop is like making up an age when girls should be ready for sex. I disagree with most legal ages." "I think men who are attracted to little girls must keep a constant flow of them in his life." "I think the man who is truly attracted to a six-year-old girl would defeat himself to marry just one. I think he would have to know a series of six year old girls to be happy." "About the man who had abducted a 6 year old little girl and later married her; I think he wanted to mold into the perfect lover yet longed for her body to mature so he could have intercourse with her as he finally accomplished." "I think I am right when I say that it is natural for a little girl to fall in love with an older man and want his touch."
In the same e-mail Karr writes about a girl in his class (BLOCKED OUT) he wrote, "She is a lovely child with long, dirty blond hair. For the past two days, she has had her hair in braided pigtails. She looks like an expensive doll. I so want to hold her and kiss her. She is so lovely and very sweet."
In another forwarded message dated 03/24/01, Karr wrote, "When you talked about the way you thought Richard killed Polly at the end of a perfect love-making session as part of a ritual, well, I thought about how many times I wished that had happened to me." "I am glad I could help you understand the difference between the attraction for 6 year olds and the attraction of 12 year olds. It is very different to fall in love with a darling little six-year-old as opposed to a 12- year old. Some men who are really attracted to six-year-olds make due with older 12 or 13 year olds. They want to take that extra plunge but cannot find the courage to go through with it. I have read the law books containing court cases that showed more mercy on those having sex with a girl of twelve as opposed to a girl of six, though the age of consent was 15." "It is too bad you never got to enjoy a bath time with a little girl, it really is a wonderful experience." "I only ask that you do not share my methods and my particular responses to your letters with anyone, including this mail response. Thank you."
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 9 of 29
On 03/26/01, the CRI forwarded a message in which Karr wrote, "I would like to talk to you further about Alyssa. I would be most interested in figuring out a way to meet her. I appreciate that you feel I could do her good. I know she could also do me good. I would love to see a picture of her." "I would love to have a friend like Alyssa right now in my life. I would be wonderful." (It should be noted that "Alyssa" was a fictional person created for this case by the CRI, to check Karr's reaction of an available six-year-old.)
On that same day, the CRI wrote me that Karr has (quotes belong to CRI) "an army of pictures of little girls" and asks, "If I'm with a little girl, kissing her on the mouth and she parts her lips slightly and I drove my tongue into her mouth and our tongues play with each other, is that sex? Or if I touch her in certain places is that sex? Or is sex only intercourse? Nobody has an answer for these questions!"
The CRI also forwarded a message that Karr wrote to him/her on 03/26/01 in which Karr writes, "I have a new little girl in my class who is so affectionate with me. She has a major crush on me, I believe." " I love her sweet touches. I touch her hair and back. I whisper into her ear that she is wonderful and very pretty. She is so loving. I think she is falling in love with me. I have met her mother who really likes me. I wish I could visit her sometimes at her house so we could kiss and hold each other." "I think it would be impossible for me to make the admission you have made without fearing losing everything I love. I would lose my career, which would cost me my connection with all my lovely little girls. Even though I had a nine-year-old at my house today, that is a rarity. I need to remain with my little girls. If you only knew how much agony I endure because I love some of them so much and am not allowed to express that love. It is so frustrating. It kills me but I must not do anything to jeopardize where I have gotten in my career." "I think back on all the little girls I have known. I think about the little girls I know who are dead, including Polly. I love them too. I have so much more to tell you about them as well as the little girls in my life who are alive. I am surrounded by the prettiest little girls both alive and dead and I love it." "I need to meet Alyssa. I need to have a private relationship with a little girl where we can freely express our affection without fear of being misunderstood."
On 03/28/01, Karr sent an e-mail to the CRI in which he writes, "Please stop feeling like I am mad at you. I haven't found anything you have told me to be offensive. Thank you for being honest and admitting that you think it is lovely for a man to fall in love with a little girl and further telling me that you don't think it is wrong to for a little girl to have sex with a man she loves. I am not afforded such a luxury to make any admission of that magnitude." "Today, a lovely eight- year-old girl came over to me and started to get into my lap. She ran her legs across me until she was pressing her crotch against my knee. I instantly had to tell her to stop. She came beside me and pressed her body against my side. She played with my hand and we finally locked our fingers together. It was sweet to gaze into her eyes. I wanted to kiss her all over her face but I couldn't. I was on the playground, sitting on a park bench with everyone allowed to see us I had another little girl on the other side."
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 10 of 29
Karr's e-mail continued, "It's times like that that I wish I could know a little girl like Alyssa - one I could hold in my lap and kiss; a girl I would not have to tell to get off my lap. I told the little girl today that I bet she was close to her Daddy. She asked how I knew that and I replied that she was so good with me."
On that same day, the CRI sent me an e-mail stating, "As I told you he is so hot and bothered thinking about my made up 'Alyssa' he aid, "At this point I don't care if she looks like Polly or not! I'll be happy with ANY little girl you can find for me! I have to have one soon!"
On 03/28/01, I spoke with Special Agent Elizabeth Castaneda of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She advised me that the Bureau had subpoenaed subscriber information regarding John Karr's Internet accounts. She told me that "jkarr" had an Internet account at MSN Hotmail. This account was registered to John Karr, residing in the state of Alabama.
It should be noted that this investigation has revealed that John Karr moved to California from the state of Alabama and was living there at the time the Internet account was opened. SA Castanedo looked at the IP (Internet provider) addresses from the e-mails the CRI had provided to me and determined that John Karr also had an account with AT&T Corporation. Through her investigation, she determined that account came back to John Karr at 1041 Addison Circle, Petaluma, and had been accessed from telephone (BLOCKED OUT). SA Castaneda was further able to confirm that John Karr's Internet account was accessed from 1040 Addison Circle, Petaluma, at the same time that the e-mails were sent to the CRI.
Meeting and Notice to Napa County S.O.:
On 03/28/01 at 1610 hours, Detective Sgt. Brown and I met with Detectives from the Napa County Sheriff's Department Special Investigations Unit in Napa. We met with Detective Sgt. William Lacey, Detective Pascale Valente, Detective Mike Fry and North Bay High Tech Crimes Task Force Officer Todd Hancock. I advised them of our investigation and provided Detective Valente with a copy of the E-mail messages that I had acquired to date. I explained that we have not yet had a molestation victim come forward, but we were obligated to inform them of our investigation based on the information and deviant behavior described in the e-mail correspondences. I further explained that they may currently have several victims in their jurisdiction, that have not yet come forward. They agreed to assist in the investigation and we concluded the meeting.
On 03/30/01 at 1730 hours, SA Liz Castaneda from the FBI faxed the Internet provider and subscriber information to Detective Sgt. Brown. He forwarded the information and fax to me.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 11 of 29
On 03/30/01, Karr wrote to the CRI, "Please feel free to express to me how you feel about little girls. I would not be judgmental if you told me you were sexually attracted to certain little girls. I would not be at all offended if you told me that you have experienced sexual relationship with a child." "I got two kisses yesterday by an eight year old girl. (BLOCKED OUT) hugged me for the first time yesterday. It felt so good. A lovely little European girl in my class hugged me for the first time yesterday. Everyday, I get a long hug from a lovely little Hispanic girl in my class." "I can understand your attraction for pretty little girls. I am listening with an understanding heart. I could also understand if you are having an ongoing relationship with a little girl." "I understand an attraction for a pretty little girl. I can also understand Richard and the reason he killed Polly." "I do love her very much. I have a connection with other dead little girls. I will only tell you where I have been relative to a wonderful dead little girl. I have been to her grave in Marietta, Georgia, and cried for her. While traveling West, I returned to her house for one last look for a long while. Her spirit was as strong at the house where she died as it is at her grave. I felt compelled to return to her house and see if I felt the same thing I had felt in the past. It was so wonderful to be with her there as I have been at her grave. She was six years old when she was murdered. I love her so much. She is my ultimate love for a dead little girl." "I am still interested in meeting Alyssa. My intentions were to love her." (It should be noted that Jon Benet Ramsey is buried in Marietta, Georgia.)
On 04/01/01, at approximately 1700 hours, I spoke with the CRI. At that time, the CRI told me that Karr was moving from 1041 Addision Drive to an unknown address "up the hill" from his old address. The CRI stated that Karr told him/her that he had to move because the house on Addison Drive was too expensive.
At the conclusion of the conversation, the CRI gave me the five audiocassette tapes with recorded conversations between Karr and him/her. (It should be noted that the cassette tapes, and a tape recorder, were provided to the CRI by Sgt. Brown for the purpose of recording the telephone conversations between Karr and him/her.)
I contacted Detective Sgt. Brown by telephone and advised him that Karr was in the process of moving. Sgt. Brown contacted Detective Rangle and requested he assist us with surveillance of Karr's residence, located at 1041 Addison Drive. Detective Rangle met with us in the Petaluma area and we set-up surveillance at 1041 Addison Drive.
At approximately 2115 hours, we observed Karr arrive at 1041 Addison Drive in a 1998 Saturn, California license (BLOCKED OUT). A Department of Motor Vehicles check revealed that car was registered to Lara Karr, 1041 Addison Drive, Petaluma. Karr went inside 1041 Addision Drive and came out 20 to 30 minutes later. We surveilled Karr from 1041 Addision Drive, to the residence at 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma. The Chetwood address is located up a hill and approximately one block from the Addison Drive address. (Karr had a male juvenile in the vehicle with him.) It should be noted that the house on Chetwood Drive appears to be identical to the house on Addison Drive, and overlooks a park and the Petaluma River.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 12 of 29
I observed Karr exit the Saturn and enter the residence at 2004 Drive without knocking. While conducting surveillance at the 2004 Chetwood Drive address, we observed Karr apparently making a bed in the upstairs bedroom. It should be noted that 2004 Chetwood Drive is located across the street (approximately 50 ft) from a children's park.
On 04/02/01 0930 hours, I met with Detective Dave Thompson of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Unit and explained the circumstances of this investigation. I showed him the e-mail correspondence between CRI and Karr. After reviewing the documentation involved in this case, it is Detective Thompson's opinion, based on his training, experience and expertise that Karr is involved in, and shows a proclivity toward pedophilia. Further, it is his opinion that pedophiles often retain evidence of those acts and that Karr may have that evidence either in his vehicle or in his residence. Detective Thompson assisted me in writing a Search Warrant for Karr's residence and vehicle.
On 04/02/01 at 1300 hours. I submitted a Search Warrant to Supervising Deputy District Attorney Kathy DeLoe for Karr's vehicle and residence located at 2004 Chetwood Drive in Petaluma. After review, SDDA Deloe signed the Search Warrant. I submitted the Search Warrant to the Honorable Judge Bertoli and he approved and signed the Search Warrant.
On 04/02/01 at 1800 hours, the CRI conducted a pretext phone call to Karr regarding "Alyssa". Detective Thompson and I were present and monitored the call. During the call Karr said that he knew how things worked with sting operations and he thought that the CRI was looking for approval. Based on the conversation, Karr felt someone was listening to the call and the telephone conversation ended.
Search Warrant Service:
On 04/03/01 at 1130 hours, a Search Warrant was served at Karr's residence, located at 2004 Chetwood Drive in Petaluma. The following Detectives assisted in the service; VCI Detective Borruso, VCI Detective Crum, PCI Detective Essick, DVSA Detective Thompson, North Bay High Tech Crime Task Force Officer Todd Hancock, and Petaluma Police Department Detective John Williams.
I knocked on the front door of the residence and announced our presence at the location. No one was home and the lower level windows and doors were locked. With assistance from an on-site construction worker, we made entry through an unlocked second floor window. The residence was not damaged from our entry.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 13 of 29
Detective Essik photographed the residence before the service of the Search Warrant and photographed the evidence as it was collected. (See Detective Essik and Detective Thompson's supplement reports for items of evidence that were collected.)
At the same time of the service of the Search Warrant at the residence, Detectives from the Napa County Sheriff's Department contacted Karr at the school he was teaching at. Detective Mike Frey interviewed Karr, while, pursuant to the Search Warrant, Detective Pascale Valente searched Karr's vehicle.
Detective Valente collected and booked the following items into evidence: (3) items were recovered from Karr's vehicle console: a school photograph of (BLOCKED OUT), a photograph of (BLOCKED OUT) and a crayon coloring picture of a smiley face. Recovered from the vehicle's trunk was a plastic bag containing 19 pornographic magazines.
Interview with Lara Karr:
On 04/03/01 at 1340 hours, Detective Thompson and I contacted the suspect's wife, (W) Lara Karr at her place of employment and asked if she would be willing to talk with us about this investigation. She agreed to talk with us and drove to the main office in her personal vehicle.
At 1400 hours, Detective Thompson and I interviewed Lara in the investigation's office interview room. I explained to Lara that she was not being investigated for committing a crime, and confirmed that she was at the department voluntarily, did not have to talk with us and was free to leave at any time. Lara agreed to talk with us.
Lara related the following information to us during the interview. She and John Karr were married in 1989 in Georgia. John was twenty-four-years-old and Lara was sixteen-years-old and pregnant. She said that at the time they were married, Georgia state law allowed under eighteen marriages, without parental consent, if a pregnancy was involved. (They now have three boys, ages 10, 9 and 7 years old.)
They moved from Georgia to Hamilton Alabama where they lived for several years. During their residency in Hamilton, in approximately 1998 or 1999, John was away from home and attending college at the University of Northern Alabama. (ABOUT FOUR LINES BLOCKED OUT). John continued to attend school and commuted an hour from Hamilton to the university.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 14 of 29
Lara said that they both found jobs in California over the internet and moved to Petaluma in July 2000. At the time they moved to Petaluma, a mortgage company employed her and Schools of the Sacred Heart employed John in San Francisco. Lara said that John quit working for the school and claimed that he didn't like working as an assistant, and didn't see moving into a full-time teaching position soon enough. Lara said that John is currently teaching in Napa.
I explained the nature of the investigation to Lara and asked how much time John spent on the computer. She said john spent approximately two hours a night on the computer and didn't know the context of the material he viewed. I asked Lara if John was conducting any type of research and she said, "No."
I had Lara listen to a brief audio recording of two individuals talking and she identified the male voice belonging to John. In the recording, John described a situation in which (BLOCKED OUT) and described passionately kissing the young girl all over her body. (The recording was a taped conversation between the CRI and Karr on 03/30/01 between 0127 and 0231 hours.) I explained to Lara that we may need to contact her in the future and concluded the interview.
Follow-up:
On 04/04/01 at 930 hours, Detective Essick told me that his forensic evidence collection of Karr's computer revealed that Karr appeared to be the primary user of the computer system. He based his opinion on the recovered e-mails, text messages, word processing documents and graphic files found on Karr's computer hard drive. He also recovered several pornographic photographs of children, adults and animals. (See Detective Essick's supplemental report(s) for details.)
After reviewing the photographs and documents recovered through Detective Essick's forensic examination, I contacted Detective Thompson and told him about the items recovered from Karr's computer. Detective Thompson told me he would come to the investigation's office to review the information. (See Detective Thompson's supplement report for details.)
On 04/05/01 at 1000 hours, I received a telephone call from a female who identified herself as Reneau Karr, John Karr's sister-in-law. She told me that she is located in Atlanta Georgia and said that John had telephoned her and her husband, Michael Karr, the previous night. John told her that the police searched his house, took his computer and other property, and that whole thing was a misunderstanding. She said that John was upset and asked for money for a plane ticket. He asked if he could stay with them and explained that he needed to leave the state. Reneau further explained that John had contacted other family members requesting money as well.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 15 of 29
Reneau said that she thought John was telling a "tall-tail" and that she had contacted several Law Enforcement Agencies prior to talking with me. She was concerned that John was running from a serious crime and thought he should stay and deal with it. She said that her main concern was her sister-in-law and three nephews. I briefly explained the case to Reneau and later concluded the conversation.
On 04/04/01 at 1145 hours, I received a telephone call from Sharon Pagaling from the Department of Justice. Sharon is a profiler and behavior analyst for the Department of Justice. She explained that Detective Dennis O'Leary of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department Sexual Assault Unit had contacted her, and that he had provided her with copies of the e-mail correspondence between the CRI and Karr. Sharon said that it was her opinion that Karr was a definite proclivity toward pedophilia.
On 04/05/01 at 1600 hours, I received a telephone call from a male who identified himself as Michael Karr, John Karr's brother. He said that John had left a message (today) on his answering machine about charges being filed against him. Michael said that he was concerned that John was coming to his house and asked what he should do if he showed up. I asked Michael to contact me if John arrived in Atlanta and concluded the call.
Telephone interview with (BLOCKED OUT) - Sheffield, Alabama:
On 04/05/01 at 1745 hours, I telephone (BLOCKED OUT) at her residence in Sheffield Alabama. I identified myself as a Detective and explained that I was investigating a possible child molestation case. (BLOCKED OUT) confirmed that she has a ten-year-old daughter named (BLOCKED OUT). I told her that I had monitored e-mails messages and taped telephone conversations from John Karr regarding (BLOCKED OUT) and the possible molestation of (BLOCKED OUT).
(BLOCKED OUT) told me the following information regarding Karr. She met Karr at the Kilby School, where he was a student teaching as a part of his training through the University of Northern Alabama. Karr met (BLOCKED OUT) through his position at the school. Karr made the initial contact with (BLOCKED OUT) and eventually explained that he had to commute a long way to the school. (SEVERAL LINES BLOCKED OUT HERE)
(BLOCKED OUT) said that Karr claimed to have a daycare in his home prior to going to school at University of Northern Alabama. Karr claimed that he was licensed for the daycare and was limited to six children. She said that he might have a contact number for a parent of one of the kids that Karr had watched. She told that if she found the information, she would forward it to me.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 16 of 29
(BLOCKED OUT) told me that at the time Karr stayed at her residence, she was separated (and currently still is) from her husband, (BLOCKED OUT). She said that (BLOCKED OUT) voiced his concern about Karr living at the residence from the beginning of the arrangement. She further stated that (BLOCKED OUT) has a background in psychology and said that he felt Karr fit the profile of a pedophile. (BLOCKED OUT) said that he did not want Karr around is daughter.
Based on the information I had given to (BLOCKED OUT), she did not want me to speak with (BLOCKED OUT) because it would cause serious problems in their relationship. I explained that it would be necessary to talk with (BLOCKED OUT) in the future. I further explained that a Detective from the Sheffield Police Department would be contacting her about his case.
I asked (BLOCKED OUT) if she could send me a photograph of (BLOCKED OUT) to compare to the photographs recovered from Karr's computer. (BLOCKED OUT) agreed to e-mail me a photograph of (BLOCKED OUT). I explained to her that I would be in contact with her in the future and concluded the interview.
Contact and Notice to Sheffield Police Department, Alabama:
On 04/05/01 at 1915 hours, I made telephone contact with the Sheffield Police Department in Alabama to give them notice of this investigation. I was forwarded to the Detective Unit and left a voicemail message for Detective Captain Burns to return my call.
On 04/09/01 at 0745 hours, I telephone Detective Burns with the Sheffield Police Department. I explained how my investigation led me to Sheffield and gave him all the contact information I had regarding the possible victim in this case. I told Detective Burns that our department would assist in the investigation and that I would provide copies of the information that we have at this point.
Detective Burns told me that he would contact (BLOCKED OUT) and attempt to set up an interview for (BLOCKED OUT). He further stated that he would contact the District Attorney in his jurisdiction to advise him of the investigation.
Notice to Schools of the Sacred Heart (San Francisco):
On 04/09/01 at 1300 hours, Detective Crum and I contacted Pamela Hayes, the Director of Schools for Schools of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco. I notified her of the investigation and asked if she could confirm Karr's employment with the school. Hayes confirmed Karr's employment and said that he was a teacher's aid and that he had only taught for 20 school days prior to resigning his position with the school. Hayes then provided me with a typed letter, at the direction of the school's attorney, stating that I would need a Search Warrant for any information regarding Karr's employment with the school. Hayes further stated that the school would not notify the student's parents of the investigation, or would not seek out any possible victims. We concluded the meeting.
Det. Beau Martin
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography (Search Warrant Service)
March 19, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 17 of 29
On 04/10/01 at 1325 hours, I telephoned Detective Burns to check the status of the case. Detective Burns told me that he had set up an appointment for (BLOCKED OUT) to be interviewed and said that he had not yet been in contact with the District Attorney. I asked him for the department fax number and forwarded him documents related to this investigation.
Case Summary:
In review of all submitted reports, recovered evidence, and based on the totality of the investigation from all of the Detectives involved in this investigation, I determined that John Karr is in violation of 311.11(a) PC/Possession of Child Pornography. (Investigation of the alleged Child molestation(s) continues to date, by the other involved agencies.)
Based on the fact that several other jurisdictions (Napa County Sheriff's Department, Petaluma Police Department and Sheffield Police Department in Alabama) are investigating John Karr for possible child molestation, as well as the fact that John Karr has solicited his family members for money to flee the state of California, I am requesting a bail increase to secure Karr's presence in this case, in the Somona County court's jurisdiction.
I further request that the identity of the CRI be kept confidential because I believe that the disclosure of the CRI's identity would destroy or impair his/her future usefulness to law enforcement officers engaged in investigating criminal activity. It would also subject him/her to great bodily injury or death from those he/she has informed upon and their associates.
** Nothing further at this time.**
Det. Beau Martin
April 03, 2001
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC
April 3, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 18 of 29
On 4-2-01 I met with VCI detective Martin regarding this case. We discussed the facts surrounding suspect Karr's E-mail correspondence and telephone calls with the CRI. I reviewed the E-mail documents and tape recordings that Detective Martin collected to date. Based on my training and experience and on all of the information I reviewed, it is apparent that Karr has a definite proclivity toward and sexual interest in pre-pubescent girls. I assisted Detective Martin in preparing a search warrant for Karr's residence and vehicles.
On 4-2-01 at approx. 1800 hrs, I went with Detective Martin to the CRI's residence where we conducted a taped pretext call to Karr at his residence in Petaluma. The CRI talked with Karr regarding her pre-pubescent, make-believe friend named "Alyssa" whom the CRI said was at her residence. On previous conversations, Karr talked freely with the CRI and told her that he was interested in meeting "Alyssa" and he showed interest in having sexual contact with "Alyssa." During this pretext call, Karr was very suspicious, cautious and fearful that their conversation was being taped.
The CRI admitted to Karr that she had molested "Alyssa" and was planning to do so again this evening. The CRI asked if she could get in trouble for what she did. Karr said that she definitely could. Karr claimed that he was not required to report her crime because she was not molesting one of his students. Karr again became suspicious that the call was being recorded. At one point Karr even talks to "those who are listening" on the phone. It was also obvious that Karr was not alone in the room where he was talking on the phone. Karr told the CRI that he was not able to talk in private as his wife was in and out of the room. The tape recording of this hone call was later booked into evidence.
On 4-3-01 at approx. 1130 hrs., I assisted in the service of the search warrant of Karr's residence. I focused my search on the downstairs kitchen / living area. Since Karr was still in the process of moving into this home, many items were still packed in various boxes in the living room and in a storage closet under the stairs leading to the upper bedrooms. The following is a summary of the items. (DT1-DT15), which I seized from Karr's residence:
DT1- Alabama court papers. Civil Action #DR-85-5042. The papers involved a 1985 marriage annulment between Karr and a 14 year old girl named Quientana Shotts who alleged that she entered the marriage contract on 6-19-84 under "fear and intimidation." (Quientana would have been 13 at the time of the marriage and Karr was 19 years old). The documents show that the annulment was finalized on 3-12-85. See attached copy of the paperwork.
DT2- A hand written note about (BLOCKED OUT). The note explains that the writer met (BLOCKED OUT) on the playground one day and desired to follow her. The writer did follow (BLOCKED OUT) and now lives with her. The note says, "To say I love her lacks the intensity of the emotion she evokes in me. She is my Satori, my love. I am so in love with this child." See attached copy of the note.
Det. D. Thompson #686
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC
April 3, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 19 of 29
DT3- 6-16-99 Journal Record newspaper from Hamilton, Alabama- with the front page article; "Investigation of child sexual abuse case more difficult than ever."
DT4- (2) photos and one floppy disk. The photos appear to be of the same young girl, possibly age 6-8. One photo looks like a school picture and the other is a 35mm of the girl in a doorway wearing a T-shirt and sweat pants.
DT5- A brown leather backpack with elementary school books in it (BLOCK OUT) is written on the outer flap of the backpack as well as on a workbook and assignment calendar from "Covenant Christian School" in Tuscumbia, Alabama. The assignment calendar is filled in up to the date of 5 -25-98. See attached copy.
DT6- (3) notes on lined paper. One says (BLOCKED OUT)'s Seven" The note has lipstick kisses on it. The other two notes appear to have been written to "Mr. Karr" by a (BLOCKED OUT). The notes complement Mr. Karr on being such a "nice" and "cool" substitute teacher. See attached copy of the (BLOCKED OUT) note, (others too light to copy).
DT7- (3) job rejection letters for "John Karr" from "The Girl's Middle School" and, "The Lovett School" both in Atlanta, Georgia and, "The Hamlin School" in San Francisco, CA. All postmarked from 8-1-1999 to 5-2000.
DT8- (14) floppy disks.
DT9- A white, girl's "tube top." Small size with clear beads on the neckline.
DT10- Check stubs for "John Karr" from 1996-1998 from Winnfield and Franklin County School Districts. Employee #1102 and #5085.
DT11- (2) 35mm photos of young girls. One girl is only in her diaper sitting on a slide. The back of the photo reads, (BLOCKED OUT) taken summer 1995, 4 yrs old-Birthday 9-16 now 5 years old." The other girl is standing in a home wearing a short, light blue dress. The back of this photo reads, "(BLOCKED OUT)" taken 7-27 on her birthday at 7 years old." See attached copies of front and back of these photos.
DT12- 1997 and 1998 Newsweek Magazines in the name of (BLOCKED OUT) with the address of (BLOCKED OUT). The cover stories are, "Kid who can't learn," and "Do parents really matter?" See attached copies of the magazine covers.
DT13- (110) misc. floppy disks
Det. D. Thompson #686
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC
April 3, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 20 of 29
DT14- Numerous notes to "Mr. Karr." Mostly notes and drawings from elementary age children with "I love you," "happy birthday," "I like you." etc. messages on them.
DT15- (3) floppy disks and (10) CD's, (some CD's X-rated).
All of these items seized in the search warrant were later booked into evidence.
On 4-3-01 at approx. 1400 hrs., VCI Detective Martin and I interviewed Karr's wife, Lara, at the Sheriff's Dept. See Detective Martin's supplemental report for the details of this interview.
On 4-10-01 at approx. 0900 hrs., I met with Dr. Jan Young regarding some of the photos that PCI Detective Essick found on the computers that belonged to Karr. Dr. Young has been in the pediatrics field since 1976 and has been the medical director at the Redwood Children's Center since 1994. Dr. Young had the following opinions about the ages of the girls depicted in the following photos found on Karr's hard drive. Dr. Young based her opinions on her knowledge of the Tanner Stages and her experience in dealing with children.
Photo #67- Probably over 18.
Photo #85- Same person as #67.
Photo #103- Possibly over 18.
Photo #112- Pre-pubertal, under 18.
Photo #113- Unable to determine. Suspicious.
Photo #114- Tanner Stage 2-3, possibly under 13.
Photo #118- Unable to determine. Suspicious.
Photo #125- Tanner Stages 4-5. Possibly 15-18+.
Photo #127- Under 14.
Photo #135- Clearly under 15 due to lack of estrogenation.
Photo #140-144-(same girl) Breast=Tanner 4-5, genitalia=Tanner2-3, Possibly under 18.
Photo #147- Not mature genitalia, Tanner Stage 1.
Photo #168- Possibly under 18.
Copies to the D.A.'s office for review.
Det. D. Thompson #686
April 16, 2001
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
April 16, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 21 of 29
On 4-16-01 at approx. 0900 hrs, I spoke with MS, from Alabama, regarding the suspect John Karr. MS said that she knows, "a lot," about John. MS said that she would rather talk to me in person because she didn't not want to talk about this sensitive information over the phone. MS was very concerned for her safely and wanted to remain as anonymous as possible.
MS said that John was married to her daughter, QS, in June 1984. MS said that QS was only 13 years old when John married her in Alabama. QS and John immediately moved to Georgia where they lived with John's father in his apartment. MS said that QS was possibly drugged and sexually assaulted during her short marriage to John. MS said that the marriage was annulled in March 1985.
MS said that QS told her that John mentioned raping a, "little black girl." MS did not have any details and mentioned that they have tried to forget anything related to John. MS said that she learned from QS that John may have bragged about killing some young children and burying them beneath their apartment in Georgia. MS said that she would talk to QS and try to get more information or see if QS would be willing to talk with me. MS said that QS is very upset right now due to a recent divorce and may not be emotionally ready to talk about what she knows about John which also tends to disturb her.
On 4-16-01 at approx. 1300 hrs., QS called me from Alabama. QS said that she met John through her best friend (BLACKED OUT), sister. QS told me that she met John when she was 13 years old and that she would sneak out of her house at times just to see him. QS told me that she and John had sexual intercourse one time before she married him. QS said that she ran off with John to Georgia once but the police located them and they were returned to Alabama. QS told me that shortly after that she convinced her mother to let her marry John. QS said they moved to Georgia where they lived in John's brother's Atlanta area home. QS could not recall the address but said that the phone number was (BLACKED OUT).
QS said that once she married John, he became very possessive and jealous of her. QS said that John would not even let her bathe without being there with her and he was extremely accusatory if she even looked at another man. QS said that John was, "overly sexual," and insisted on having sex mornings, afternoons and evenings. QS said she had to have sex with John every night, "no matter what," and she likened it to a chore. QS said that if she declined or told him that she did not feel like it, he would, "play mind games," or accuse her of not loving him. QS said John had vaginal sex with her, occasionally some mutual oral sex, never any anal sex.
QS also told me that John liked for her to war "pig tails" in her hair so she looked more like a little girl. QS said John always called her his, "little one." QS said that she recalled that John wanted her to shave her vaginal hair on a few occasions. QS said that John made her smile with her mouth open a certain way because it made her look like when she was younger. She said that John also wanted her to say certain phrases over and over again until she
Det. D. Thompson #686
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
April 16, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 22 of 29
said them the right way. QS said she couldn't recall what the phrases were at this time. QS told me that John would at times wear her clothing, (dresses, nylons, and bras), and would sometimes put on make-up, (which he owned).
QS told me that John told her some very disturbing things while she was married to him. QS said that one day John told her straight out, "there's something about a little girl, I don't think I could hold myself back if we had a little girl. Would you hold that against me?" QS said she was very shocked and hurt by this statement.
QS also told me that one day John took her down the old wooden stairs in his bother's house where they lived. QS said that John showed her the dirt area under the house where there were 3-4 arrangements of "fake" flowers. QS said that John told her that he killed some people and that he buried them there under the house. QS described the ground under the house as being sloped upward and the flowers were up where the clearance was lowest. QS said that she did not believe that the ground looked recently dug up. QS said she was very disturbed by what John told her but said that John later claimed he was, "kidding."
QS said that shortly after the day he showed her the graves, (or possibly the same day, she could not recall exactly), John was kissing her at the top of the stairs to the basement. QS said that John pointed down the stairs and told QS that he wanted her to urinate and defecate on the floor and then he wanted to have sex with her in the excrement. QS said he refused to do what he wanted.
QS also told me that one day, while they were still married, John made her go to the park against her wishes. QS said that John insisted until she went with him for a drive to a park. QS said that once at the park, John pushed her on the swing for a while and they left. QS said that she thought it was strange that John really wanted to push her on the swing so badly. QS said she could not recall what else happened that day or what she was wearing.
QS said another oddity about John was that she would find woman's purses and, "lots and lots," of shoes from time to time in their Atlanta home that did not belong to her or her sister-in-law. QS said that the purses had billfolds in them with some grocery receipts. QS said she asked John why he collected shoes and purses. John responded by later disposing of the items at a clothes "center."
QS said that she did not know of John raping a black girl. QS said that she knew that John's father was having an affair with a black woman in the complex and that that woman had a daughter whom was approx. 3-4 years old. QS told me that she would sometimes hear the girl crying while the woman was visiting John's father.
Det. D. Thompson #686
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
April 16, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Page 23 of 29
QS told me that she returned to Alabama and visited her friend Tara where she found some love notes that John had been writing Tara while QS was married to John. The love notes and John's odd and obsessive behavior led QS to ask her mother for help in getting out of the marriage. QS said her marriage was annulled in March 1995.
QS said that she has been very upset since she heard that a detective from California wanted to speak to her. QS told met hat she did not sleep much over the weekend because she knew that John moved to California and she figured that I wanted to talk to her about John. QS said I could contact her for further information if necessary.
Addresses and identifying information for QS and MS are confidential at this time and are in the case file.
Det. D. Thompson #686
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
311.11(a) PC
April 3, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 1041 Addison, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 24 of 29
On 04-03-01 at approximately 1100 hours, I assisted Detective B. Martin with the service of a search warrant at 2004 Chetwood in Petaluma. While there, I saw numerous handwritten letters from children to the suspect in this case, John Karr. I also saw computer comp9onents, and numerous other items of evidence that were collect by other detectives.
At approximately 1500 hours, I went to 1041 Addison at the request of Detective Sergeant S. Brown. I was asked to search the residence for evidence, in particular, to search for a maroon binder that might have potential evidence in it. I was told that the suspect had given consent for the search.
While there I collected a computer tower with a printer, a computer hard drive, a maroon accordion file that contained some paperwork. I also collected a .380 semi-automatic pistol, a canister of undeveloped film, an all girls school yearbook, some photographs of the suspect wearing makeup, a calendar containing hundreds of photos of small children, and the suspect's Sonoma County Schools identification card. More items I collected included several articles of correspondence between the suspect and Richard Allen Davis.
On 04-05-01 I booked all of the items that I collect into the evidence locker at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department.
No further investigation at this time.
Det. S. Barruso D-4
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
Search Warrant
April 3, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 25 of 29
I have the following training and experience in seizing computers and conducting forensic examinations on computer media:
In December of 1999 I attended the California Department of Justice Advance Training Center's 40 hour course, The Investigation of High Technology Crime and Computer Crime. In May of 2000 I attended the National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistic' 24 hour course, The seizure and Examination of Microcomputers. In October of 2000 I attended Guidance Software's 32 hour course. Computer Forensics Using EnCase(TM) Software.
I have been the primary investigator in three criminal computer cases using Encase(TM) forensic software. I have assisted in three criminal computer cases using Encase(TM) forensic software. I designed and built the Sheriff's Department Forensic Computer Laboratory including all computer hardware and software installations.
I am currently enrolled in a graduate program of study, which will result in a Master of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Computer Information Systems.
On 4-3-01 at 1745 hours, I began a forensic examination of Suspect John Karr's computer hard drive seized pursuant to a search warrant at his residence. I removed the hard drive from a computer CPU labeled evidence #2ME. The hard drive is a Western Digital 1.5 GB, model #WDAC21600-00H, serial #WT3361833470. I labeled the drive #2ME, Suspect Karr, 010402-04.
I began the examination of #2ME, Karr's hard drive, by connecting the drive to my forensic computer. I made an exact copy of the disk using EnCase(TM) for DOS. This process permits an exact bit for bit copy of the hard drive to be created without altering or changing the data as it is transferred. The data was copied to a Western Digital hard drive 30.7 GB, model #WD307AA00BAA0, serial #WMA2F2507505. I labeled the drive Karr 010402-04, Goodguy. I then removed #2ME from my forensic computer and returned it to the CPU labeled #2ME.
I created a new file in the EnCase(TM) program and named it Karr. I acquired the contents of the copied hard drive into the Encase(TM) evidence file. I then conducted a search of the drive for graphics files, key words, and items related to child pornography or the exploitation of children.
I recovered numerous e-mails to John Karr, word processing documents by John Karr, a graphic files. I believe the recovered items clearly demonstrate that John Karr is the primary user of the computer and that he is actively involved in collecting child pornography of young 6-9 year old girls. The e-mails and word processing documents clearly show that Karr is aroused by young girls, believes it is OK for a man to be in love with a young girl and that Karr is actively fantasizing about being sexual with young girls. Additionally it is evident that Karr has a fascination with the Polly Klaas homicide and the JonBenet Ramsey homicide. He writes that he understands Richard Allen Davis and why he killed Polly. Karr has corresponded with Davis and has attempted to visit him at
Det. Mark Essick #348
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
Search Warrant
April 3, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 26 of 29
San Quentin Prison. I book marked relevant e-mails, documents, and graphics for inclusion in the final EnCase(TM) report.
Next examined evidence item #1SB another computer CPT recovered after a consent search of Karr's previous residence by Detective Borruso. I removed the hard drive from the computer CPU labeled evidence #1SB. The hard drive is a Maxtor 1.3GB, model #71336AP, serial #S30EFRLS. I labeled the drive #1SB, Suspect Karr, 010402-04.
I examined #1SB, Karr's hard drive, by connecting the drive to my forensic computer. I made an exact copy of the disk using EnCase(TM) for DOS. This process permits an exact bit for bit copy of the hard drive to be created without altering or changing the data as it is transferred. The data was copied to a Western Digital hard drive 30.7 GB, model #WE307AAOOBAA0, serial #WMA2F2507505. The drive was labeled Karr 010402-04, Goodguy. I then removed #1SB from my forensic computer and returned it to the CPU labeled #1SB.
I added the new evidence into the open Karr EnCase(TM) program. I acquired the contents of the copied hard drive into the EnCase(TM) evidence file. I then conducted a search of the drive for graphics files, key words, and items related to child pornography or the exploitation of children.
I recovered numerous e-mails to John Karr, word processing documents by John Karr, and graphic files. I believe the recovered items clearly demonstrate that John Karr is the primary user of the computer and that he is actively involved in collecting child pornography of young 6-9 year old girls. The e-mails and word processing documents clearly show that Karr is aroused by young girls, believes it is OK for a man to be in love with a young girl and that Karr is actively fantasizing about being sexual with young girls.
I concluded my examination of the two hard drives and prepared the attached EnCase(TM) report detailing what I found and where it was located on the hard drives. In particular the photos depicted on the following pages fulfilled the elements of 311.11 PC:
Photo 67 on page 63
Photo 85 on page 70
Photo 89 on page 72 (Suspect)
Photo 103 on page 77
Photo 112 on page 81
Photo 113 on page 81
Photo 114 on page 82
Photo 118 on page 83
Photo 125 on page 86
Photo 127 on page 86
Photo 128 on page 87 (Suspect)
Photo 135 on page 90
Photo 140-144 on pages 92-94
Photo 147 on page 95
Photo 149 on page 96
A supplemental report will follow on the examination of approximately 100 floppy disks that were recovered during the search warrant at 2004 Chetwood Dr Petaluma.
Nothing further.
Det. Mark Essick #348
April 05, 2001
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
Search Warrant
April 5, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 27 of 29
On 4-5-01 I created a recovered documents CD ROM from the EnCase(TM) evidence file. I created this file separately from the EnCase(TM) report because it is a very large file containing over 200 pages of text documents. I created a total of 4 CD ROMS and distributed them as follows;
1 copy for the DA,
1 copy for the Defense
1 copy for the DVSA and VCI Detectives
1 copy that I booked into Sheriff's Evidence
The documents consist of word-processing documents and e-mails text file documents. I printed the contents of the CD ROM and distributed a total of four copies as follows:
1 copy for the DA,
1 copy for the Defense
1 copy for the DVSA
1 copy for VCI Detective
Nothing further.
Det. Mark Essick #348
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
Search Warrant
April 3, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 28 of 29
On 4-3-01 at 1130 hours, I assisted Detective Martin and other Detectives from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Dept, Napa County Sheriff's Dept. and Pataluma Police Dept in the service of a search warrant at 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma. I took photographs of the residence prior to our search to document the state of the residence prior to our search.
I was assigned to search the upstairs area of the residence, including the computer area, the master bedroom, the children's bedrooms, the laundry room, and the two upstairs bathrooms. During the search I recovered and cataloged the following items:
1ME Monitor 15" Magitronic CSV1500PS Ser# 6362867 Found on Computer Hutch.
2ME CPU Pro Computer Design AIE 34863366 Ser# 02973214 User Applied # DIS.009 Found on Computer Hutch.
3ME External Modem Supra Fax28.8 Ser# 34F001318 Found on Computer Hutch
4ME Mouse Microsoft P/S2 Ser# 04872771 Found on Computer Hutch
5ME Keyboard NMR Tech P/S2 Ser# C2763898 Found on Computer Hutch
6ME Printer HP C3990A ser# USHB188763 LaserJet 6L Found on Computer Hutch
7ME Contents of Top Right Desk Drawer Misc. Computer Disk, CD ROMS, Software Books, Notes, and Paperwork. Found on floor next to Computer Hutch.
8ME Box of Software Manuals Cardboard Box of Software Manuals, CD ROMS and Related Computer Papers. Found on Floor next to Computer Hutch.
9ME Box of Magazines Cardboard Box of Religious Books, Software, School Papers, Computer Manuals. Found on Floor next to Computer Hutch
10ME Cassette Tape Damon Karr Music Cassette of Damon Karr. 1 of 60 tapes in boxes. Found on Floor next to Computer Hutch
11ME Misc. Papers Indicia in the Name of John Karr. Found in Master Bedroom
12ME Film Assorted 3 rolls of undeveloped film found in Master Bedroom
13ME Men's Wallet contains credit cards in the name of John Karr. Found in Master Bedroom.
14ME Key Brass US PO Box Key. Found in Master Bedroom
15ME No items recorded for this evidence number.
16ME Film Unk 126 B&W Undeveloped Film Cartridge. Found in Master Bedroom
17ME Laptop Comp. AST386SX/25 Ser# USN3010553 Found in downstairs Closet.
18ME US Mail indicia in the name of John Karr. Found in Outdoor MailBox. Pac Bell Phone Bill.
I photographed the above items prior to seizing and cataloging them. I later submitted the film to CSI for processing. Additionally I submitted 3 rolls of film and 1 film cartridge obtained as evidence to CSI for
Det. Mark Essick #348
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department
Search Warrant
April 3, 2001
Case #: 010402-04
Subject: John Mark Karr, 2004 Chetwood Drive, Petaluma, California
Supplement
Narrative/Statement
Page 29 of 29
processing. I photographed the residence after our search and prior to leaving to document the state residence was left in.
I submitted all items listed above into Sheriff's evidence. I retained the hard drive from the suspect's computer and began a forensic exam pursuant to the search warrant. A Complete report on the examination will follow.
Det. Mark Essick #348