A prominent Oregon Democrat and supporter of President Joe Biden has been arrested on charges of possessing child pornography, according to local news reports.
Dennis “Denny” Doyle, former mayor of Beaverton, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, the prosecutor’s office wrote in a press release.
“He’s admitted all allegations of the conduct,” federal prosecutor Natalie Wight told the website, adding that Doyle was “forthright” and cooperating with investigators.
His trial is set for May.
In addition to prison, he also faces up to $250,000 in fines and a lifetime of supervised release.
BREAKING: Former Mayor of Beaverton Denny Doyle facing federal charges for child porn. He'll make his first appearance in federal court today. If convicted, he could face 20 years in prison. pic.twitter.com/uQZpn0fd7e
— Alison Dorf (@AlisonDorf) March 4, 2022
Former Beaverton mayor Dennis ‘Denny’ Doyle accused of possessing child pornography between Nov 2014 and continuing until about Dec 2015, according to a a criminal information allegation filed in federal court. pic.twitter.com/XK7oI3lhzl
— Maxine Bernstein (@maxoregonian) March 4, 2022
A statement from the Justice Department says “Doyle is alleged to have knowingly and unlawfully possessed digital material containing child pornography, including images depicting minors under twelve.”
Local station KOIN said the images were discovered on a thumb drive belonging to Doyle.
It notes the incidents took place between November 2014 and December 2015, which was during his tenure as mayor in the city of nearly 100,000 people.
The allegations represent a stunning fall for the once-prominent Democratic figure in the reliably blue state.
He served for 14 years on the city council. Then, after being elected mayor, he became known for pushing climate policies and promoting green jobs, according to news organization The National Pulse.
The 73-year-old lost a 2020 runoff election to progressive challenger and current mayor, Lacey Beaty, who said this week she was “shocked” by the news.
“I stand with all children and those who find themselves exploited,” she told KOIN. “We elect leaders with the expectation that they will serve, protect, and advocate for our children, families, and our communities. The charges against former Mayor Doyle are deeply concerning. The City of Beaverton is aware of the situation.”
Doyle was also active in the local community – including in positions with groups that involve children.
Oregon Live said he was a founder of a local youth soccer club, and served as vice president of the organization until the allegations surfaced. He was reportedly named Citizen of the Year by the Boy Scouts of America in 2008 for his work in youth sports.
The website said he was also involved in a local baseball and softball group, and served on the local park and recreations board, as well as committees with the high school and elementary school
Local figures were stunned.
“My working relationship with him was always positive. And you know, again, that’s probably what leads to why I’m I guess I’m so surprised,” former Police Chief Geoff Spalding, who was appointed by Doyle, told KPTV. “I just never would have seen this coming. I look back and, you know, red flags, nothing to indicate anything at all. Again, upstanding individual in the community.”
Tilman Richardson, owner of Up N’ Smoke BBQ Pit, told the station he was “shocked” and said Doyle came across as “a really nice guy.”
The allegations changed that impression.
“That angers me, that’s disgusting,” he said. “If this is true, it really makes me second guess and lose trust in our leadership.”
KOIN noted that the investigation against Doyle was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to fight child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Doyle has not publicly commented on the allegations.
— Walter W. Murray is a reporter for The Horn News. He is an outspoken conservative and a survival expert.