Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Child porn distributor arrested again

A Cheney man who distributed child pornography using his former co-worker's stolen identity is back in jail.

John Alan Harmon, 57, was ordered held without bail this morning on federal allegations that he distributed child pornography last January and in October 2009. The sex offender left prison in 2005 after serving about three years for the same crime.

His lawyer, Bevan Maxey, said Harmon has strong ties to Cheney and will show up for court if he's out of jail, but U.S. Magistrate Cynthia Imbrogno said he needed a more structured release plan before he could be released.

"There is not issue as far as risk of flight. The issue in this case is risk to the community," Imbrogno said. "My impression is Mr. Harmon is really trying, but these alleged difficulties are simply too pervasive right now."

A grand jury indicted Harmon on charges of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He also could be forced to forfeit a computer seized from his home on Jan. 7, 2010.

Harmon faces at least 15 years in prison because of his previous conviction for distribution of child pornography. He was arrested Monday and pleaded not guilty to both charges in U.S. District Court that afternoon.



Public safety news from the Inland Northwest and beyond.