But the CP doesn't come from nowhere, it's part of a connected network. It's same as the selling of stolen goods, you didn't perform the crime to obtain them possibly but your distribution of said goods encourages and finances those crimes to continue.
No because there has to be active child abuse to PRODUCE those images.
Unless you count drawings in which case sure you can try but that gets into REALLY thought crime territory..
The distribution is also a crime.
But the CP doesn't come from nowhere, it's part of a connected network. It's same as the selling of stolen goods, you didn't perform the crime to obtain them possibly but your distribution of said goods encourages and finances those crimes to continue.
They're separate crimes though. People can get charged with distribution of CP without having a hand in producing it.
Usually because they want the source and it's easier to get it if you seperate the crimes for plea deals.