CHICO, Calif. — A Chico man was arrested after police found in his possession approximately 950 still images and 23 videos of illegal pornography involving children, animals and sadism.

The Butte County Prosecutor (BCDA) says Michael Patrick Markham, 56, was caught possessing child pornography by a computer store where Markham took his laptop to get it repaired on July 18, 2024 When the store discovered the child pornography images, they turned the laptop over to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.

Police conducted a forensic download of the laptop’s contents, pursuant to a search warrant authorized by the district attorney and a local judge.

The BCDA said deputies discovered approximately 950 still images and 23 videos of child pornography. Some images showed children engaging in sexual acts with animals and sexual sadism.

Markham was charged with possession of child pornography as well as an additional enhancement for possession of more than 600 images, according to the Butte County prosecutor.

Markham’s sentencing was set for January 9, 2025, where he faces up to five years in state prison for his crime.