Former WSU employee enters not-guilty plea in porn case

COLFAX – A former Washington State University employee pleaded not guilty to allegations he possessed child pornography on his work computer.

The Lewiston Tribune reported Michael M. Severns, of Potlatch, entered the plea Friday. He is charged with one count of second-degree dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and three counts of second-degree possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Each crime is a felony that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Court documents show police discovered multiple images and files related to distribution and possession of child pornography under Severns’ username on his computer.

School officials said the 51-year-old Severns, who worked at Housing and Dining Services, is no longer employed at the university.