A simple cruise vacation turned into a federal criminal case for a Tennessee father after a routine Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection revealed disturbing content on his phone.
Jason Alan Miller, 48, had just returned from a Carnival Horizon cruise to the Cayman Islands, arriving at PortMiami on September 13 with his pregnant wife and their eight children—seven of whom were adopted after being fostered.
Miller was randomly selected for a secondary screening, a standard procedure for travelers entering the U.S., which would ultimately uncover shocking evidence.
Child Exploitation Material Found on His Phone
During the inspection, Miller voluntarily provided the passcode to unlock his Samsung Galaxy phone.
According to an affidavit from Homeland Security Investigations, investigators quickly discovered photos and videos depicting sexual abuse of young girls.
One folder, named “6yo_rare,” contained 45 illicit images, suggesting the victims were just six years old.
Tragically, Miller’s own children, aged five to 12, were with him during this discovery.
A Troubling History of Fostering
Court documents revealed that Miller had fostered around 20 children at his Tennessee home over the years.
In statements to authorities, he admitted that no one else had access to his phone and that he was fully aware of the illegal content stored on the device.
Following the discovery, Miller was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and held at Broward County Jail before being returned to federal custody.
Federal Charges and Potential Sentencing
Miller now faces serious federal charges for possession and transportation of child pornography.
If convicted on both counts, he could face up to 30 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.
How CBP Device Searches Work
CBP officers routinely search electronic devices of travelers re-entering the United States, including citizens and noncitizens.
While travelers are not legally required to provide passwords or unlock devices, refusing a search can lead to significant delays, questioning, or confiscation of the device for further inspection.
U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry solely for refusing a search, but noncitizens may face broader consequences.
Other Cases Show the Risks
Miller’s arrest is not isolated. In April, Matthew Kutcher, a man from Pennsylvania, was caught at PortMiami with at least 10 videos of child pornography on his phone after returning from a cruise.
Kutcher later signed a plea agreement and will serve a minimum of ten years in prison.
These cases demonstrate the broad authority CBP holds to conduct warrantless electronic device searches at airports, seaports, and land borders.
A Sobering Reminder for Travelers
While most travelers pass through U.S. borders without incident, these cases serve as a stark reminder that routine inspections can uncover criminal activity.
Authorities continue to prioritize the protection of children and prosecute individuals found in possession of exploitation materials, reinforcing the serious consequences of such offenses.