Marine Three-Star's Aide-de-Camp Charged in Child Porn Case

October 12, 2011

Jacksonville Daily News

A Marine aide-de-camp for a Camp Lejeune three-star general had his first appearance in court Tuesday after being arrested for possession of child pornography.
Capt. Daniel Joseph Nilsson, 32, of Surf City, was charged Oct. 5 by the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation following a three-month probe into suspect computer activity, and charged with six counts of second degree exploitation of a minor, a Class E felony offense.
Nilsson, originally of Ramsey, Minn., was previously the commanding officer of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, before becoming aide-de-camp to Lt. Gen. John Paxton, commander of II Marine Expeditionary Force, earlier this year. II MEF officials said that Nilsson was relieved of his position following the arrest, and assigned to unit administrative duties until an investigation into his actions is completed. Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents are aiding civilian authorities in this investigation, Marine officials said.
"Lt. Gen. Paxton was unaware of the alleged misconduct and is saddened by the recent revelation," NCIS spokesman Ed Buice said in a statement Tuesday. "He would like to let the justice system run its course. At this time, it would be inappropriate for Lt. Gen. Paxton to comment on the matter."
Officials said that Marine officers would be held to the highest standards, but that Nilsson was presumed innocent prior to a verdict in the case.

SBI spokeswoman Noelle Talley said Nilsson had been taken to the Pender County Jail after being arrested at his Surf City home, then released on a $300,000 bond. Talley said the SBI computer crimes unit was working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the case. Nilsson's charges stemmed from allegations that he was collecting child pornography, Talley said.

Nilsson appeared for his arraignment in Pender County District Court Tuesday in a dark suit and red tie, flanked by his attorney, Christian Dysart of Raleigh. His next appearance on the charges was scheduled for Nov. 16.
But the 11-year Marine will appear before civilian authorities before then: He also faces charges of driving while impaired, driving left of center, and impeding the flow of traffic, after being arrested by the Morehead City Police Department on June 18. Morehead police officers said Nilsson was released on a written promise to appear following the arrest. He is due in Carteret County District Court on Oct. 17.
According to Camp Lejeune officials, Nilsson entered the Marine Corps in May 2002 and has deployed four times, including once to Haiti from March 3, 2003, to June 25, 2004; twice to Iraq from Jan. 2, 2005, to Aug. 14, 2005, and from Feb. 28, 2006, to Oct. 3, 2006; and once to Afghanistan from July 21, 2010, to Feb. 11, 2011. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, the Combat Action Ribbon with two gold stars in lieu of third award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Contact military reporter Hope Hodge at 910-219-8453 or hhodge@freedomenc.com.
"Lt. Gen. Paxton was unaware of the alleged misconduct and is saddened by the recent revelation. He would like to let the justice system run its course. At this time, it would be inappropriate for Lt. Gen. Paxton to comment on the matter. Capt. Nilsson is presumed innocent of any alleged offenses and will be afforded the opportunity to defend himself in court against all charges," said Buice.
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