Sick Utah Sock Stealer, Sniffer Is Arrested

FEBRUARY 6--A pervert who was caught stealing and sniffing children’s socks at a Utah “funplex” is facing numerous felony charges after a police search of his residence and electronic devices turned up “multiple files” of child pornography, police say.

The probe of Rolland Edward Brown, 63, began last year after an employee of the Rush Funplex called cops to report that “a suspicious male was stealing socks” at the entertainment venue, which features laser tag, rock climbing, kiddie karts, and a foam pit.

According to a probable cause affidavit, a police investigation revealed that Brown “stole multiple children socks from the Rush Funplex” in West Jordan, a Salt Lake City suburb. Additionally, “Rolland was seen sniffing the stolen socks and taking multiple pictures of the children playing.”

Alarmed by this concerning behavior, cops secured a warrant to raid Brown’s Utah County home. “During the search of Rolland’s electronic devives, it was found he had...multiple files of CSAM,” or child sexual abuse material.

Investigators also discovered “several images of children...around the area trying on shoes or just the children’s feet.”

Seen above, Brown was arrested yesterday and charged with ten counts each of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor. He is also accused of tampering with a witness, a felony, after “it was found Rolland attempted to have a witness lie to the court.”

Ruling that there was “substantial evidence” against Brown, a judge ordered him to be held without bail, noting that Brown, if released, “would constitute a substantial danger to any other individual or to the community, or is likely to flee the jurisdiction.”

According to court papers, Brown’s residence is a home in Lehi, a Utah County city, owned by his 48-year-old wife. Brown’s spouse filed for divorce six weeks ago.

Brown appears to have operated a business recruiting firm from the Lehi property. The company, Advantage Recruiting, was formed in 2013 and lists his wife as its principal, according to state records. (3 pages)