Canadian police discovered hundreds of images Brian Schellenberger produced showing a 6-year-old girl. Other pictures show a baby boy.
Investigators believe the girl suffered sexual abuse. She was locked in a dog cage and defacated upon. Her girl scout uniform was traced to America. A blurred school logo was traced to North Carolina.
The FBI searched Schellenberger's Cary home and found the girl scout uniform, camera equipment and other items of torture. The U.S. Attorney's Office said thousands of child porn images were also found on his computer.
"As our investigation and evaluation of the case evolved, we came to grips with the strength of the government's case and so did our client," said Roger Smith, Schellenberger's attorney.
After Schellenberger's arrest, he was fired from his job at SAS Institute. Investigators said Schellenberger never profited from his crimes. Court records do not provide a clear view into his motives. A psychiatric evaluation was not considered public record at his attorney's request.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said information Schellenberger offered has led to other child pornography arrests. He also agreed to testify in future cases as a condition of his plea agreement.
Schellenberger could face up to 65 years in federal prison. He should be sentenced in two to four months.
Schellenberger's arrest led to investigations in four other states -- South Carolina, Texas, Illinois and Maryland. Authorities also arrested two people in England.
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