Psychotherapist specialized in treating kids and teens, but FBI says he was distributing child porn behind closed doors

A Washington D.C. psychotherapist who worked with children and teenagers has been arrested on federal charges of possessing and distributing child pornography. Victor Renato Blythe, 60, was charged this week by federal complaint with allegedly sharing illegal material with another person, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

Blythe is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children and adolescents. He previously worked in the psychiatry department at Children’s National Hospital for seven years, though he has not been employed there for the past seven years, hospital officials confirmed. The case highlights concerns about trusted professionals who work closely with vulnerable young people.

According to the federal complaint, Blythe allegedly communicated with another individual about his interest in the sexual abuse of children between April 2019 and July 2025. During these communications, he allegedly distributed child pornography to that person. Investigators also found that Blythe possessed additional videos depicting child pornography on various electronic devices, including inside a hidden folder on a phone.

Professional background and current status

Blythe has more than 15 years of clinical and therapeutic experience. Before his arrest, he was associated with District Therapy Associates in Northwest Washington, though his biography page was removed from their website after the charges were announced. Clinical director Meredith Gardner confirmed that Blythe is no longer affiliated with the practice.

District Therapy Associates released a statement expressing their shock about the charges. “District Therapy Associates was deeply disturbed and shocked to learn of the charges brought against Mr. Blythe,” Gardner said in the statement. “We will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities and are committed to supporting their investigation in every way permitted by law.”

A spokeswoman for Children’s National Hospital declined to provide further comment beyond confirming that Blythe had not worked there for seven years. The hospital distanced itself from the former employee after news of the charges became public.

Investigation and law enforcement response

The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which handles violations involving the sexual exploitation of children. The Metropolitan Police Department and Fairfax County Police Department are also assisting with the investigation.

The investigation is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro’s office. Federal prosecutors announced the charges on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force specializes in investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in child exploitation.

Law enforcement officials are asking anyone with information about this case to contact the FBI at [email protected]. The arrest shows how federal authorities are working to identify and prosecute individuals who exploit children, even when those individuals work in trusted positions within the community. The case also demonstrates the ongoing efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation in the Washington D.C. area.

Attempts to reach Blythe for comment were unsuccessful. The charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The case continues to be under investigation by federal authorities.