WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a shocking development, Thomas Pham LeGro, a 48-year-old investigative journalist with The Washington Post, was arrested on June 26, 2025, and formally charged with possession of child pornography. The arrest marks a startling fall from grace for a highly regarded figure in American journalism.
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LeGro was taken into custody following a search warrant executed at his residence in Washington, D.C. FBI agents, working alongside the Metropolitan Police Department, seized several electronic devices, including LeGro’s work-issued laptop. A forensic examination uncovered 11 videos depicting graphic child sexual abuse material involving minors.
Investigators also discovered broken fragments of a hard drive near the area where the laptop was found, raising suspicions that the device may have been intentionally destroyed to obstruct the investigation. This aspect remains under active review.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, “The possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material is a grave and repugnant offense. No matter someone’s profession or public profile, we will hold individuals accountable when they are found in possession of this kind of material.”
LeGro appeared in U.S. District Court on Thursday and has yet to enter a plea. His legal representatives declined to comment following the appearance. If convicted, he faces severe federal penalties including prison time, sex offender registration, and supervised release.
The Washington Post confirmed LeGro’s suspension pending further legal proceedings and affirmed their cooperation with law enforcement. LeGro, who has been with the paper for over a decade, earned acclaim for his investigative reporting on government corruption, national security, and criminal justice.
Colleagues and readers have expressed shock and disbelief at the allegations. Authorities reiterated that these are allegations and LeGro is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing. Officials encourage anyone with information related to this case or other child exploitation crimes to contact the FBI Washington Field Office or submit anonymous tips through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
This case underscores law enforcement’s commitment to combating child exploitation and sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their status or profession.