Air Force Indictment
Air Force Major Indicted on 128 Counts of Child Abuse Material
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Key Points
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Investigators interviewed Gayson in early 2026 before executing a search warrant for his electronic devices.
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The 21 suspected videos were uploaded to the cloud service on Dec. 12, 2025, according to court documents.
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Many of the suspected files were allegedly found on a 64-gigabyte USB drive and two phones.
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Fort Washington is approximately 20 miles south of central Washington, D.C.
A 34-year-old U.S. Air Force major from Fort Washington, Maryland, has been indicted on 128 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material. Military.com reported that Richard F. Gayson was arrested after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tipped off police in December 2025 about 21 suspected videos uploaded to a cloud service. Investigators later found more than 120 additional images and videos on his laptops, phones, and external drives.
Gayson was arrested on May 6 and initially held without bond before being released to private home detention. Stars and Stripes confirmed his next court hearing is scheduled for October 9. The Air Force has not yet announced disciplinary action, though the charges represent one of the most serious criminal allegations against an active-duty officer in recent months.
How Authorities Traced the Illegal Files
The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flagged 21 suspected videos uploaded to a cloud service on December 12, 2025. Patch reported that investigators then interviewed Gayson in early 2026 before executing a search warrant on his electronic devices. The searches uncovered more than 120 images and videos across multiple devices, including a 64-gigabyte USB drive and two phones.
Major Charges and Bail Status
The 128 counts of possession of child pornography represent a rare and serious federal indictment. SMNewsNet confirmed Gayson is a major stationed near the Washington, D.C. area in Prince George's County. After his May 6 arrest, he spent time in custody before being released to private home detention, where he awaits trial.
What Comes Next for the Air Force
Gayson's case raises serious questions about vetting and oversight within the military. The Air Force has not yet announced whether he remains on active duty or if discharge proceedings have begun. His October 9 court hearing will likely determine whether bail conditions are adjusted and when the case moves toward trial or plea negotiations.
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