In brief: Man held without bail in pornography case

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 Thursday 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 Judge Cynthia Imbrogno said the suspect needs a structured release plan that includes counseling before he can be released.

“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.”

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 distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court.

Meghann M. Cuniff

City crews mop up residential streets

The city of Spokane battled the slush and standing water Thursday, and expects to continue work today.

Working with stage 1 snow emergency staffing levels, the city crews were expected to continue plowing residentials street overnight Thursday.

They encourage residents to move their cars to the even side of the street in residential areas during a snow emergency. No cars should be parked on arterials or STA bus routes during a stage 1 emergency, the news release said.

Crews also hope to to clear parking bays in the downtown and neighborhood business districts overnight, and wastewater crews worked to clear storm drains and large puddles of standing water throughout the city. The city is asking residents to clear drains near their property of ice and snow.

From staff reports