Authorities have charged the former mayor of Beaverton, one of Oregon's largest cities, with possessing child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug announced the charge against Dennis “Denny” Doyle earlier today.
According to court documents, Doyle obtained sexually explicit digital material involving children under the age of 12.
The Oregonian reports:
The charges stem from an old computer thumb drive or flash drive that was turned over to authorities containing the alleged pornography and other personal material belonging to Doyle, according to a source familiar with the investigation.
Doyle is expected to make his first appearance before a federal magistrate judge Friday afternoon. He's been assigned an assistant federal public defender.
Doyle and his appointed attorney did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
Doyle, 73, served as mayor of Beaverton for more than 10 years.
If convicted he faces up to 20 years behind bars — a veritable life sentence.
Before becoming mayor, Doyle served on the Beaverton City Council.
Documenting Doyle's history of community service, The Oregonian adds:
In 1993, Doyle helped found the Westside Metros Soccer Club, a nonprofit youth soccer club that hired professional coaches to lead about 30 boys and girl soccer teams. When he took office, he was a paid employee of the club.
