An Illinois Democrat who resigned a month ago as a state representative — and who once co-sponsored two bills to crack down on child pornography offenders — has now himself been charged with possession of child porn.
Keith Farnham, a Democrat from Elgin, is accused of using his government and personal computers to trade hundreds of photographs of minors engaged in sexual acts, or posed in sexually explicit positions, Raw Story reported.
One of the photographs reportedly showed a 6-month-old baby girl in a sexual situation, federal authorities said, the media site reported. Another reportedly showed a girl, about age 7, in a compromising, sexual situation.
Mr. Farnham has been accused also of bragging at an online site about sexually molesting a girl, age 6, Raw Story reported.
He allegedly wrote in an online chat in November: “12 is about as old as i can handle. I love them at 6 7 8.” He allegedly wrote in another online chat, Raw Story reported: “[I wish I] had access to all the vids and pics ever made.”
Federal agents issued a warrant in mid-March for Mr. Farhham’s office and home. Shortly after, the lawmaker resigned from office, saying he was going to start medical treatments for bladder cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, Raw Story reported.
Mr. Farnham, if convicted, could face 10 years behind bars. He’s set to make his first appearance in court on Wednesday.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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