Clarkston man deemed threat to the community

Summary

A Clarkston man faces up to 10 years for possession of child pornography.

Story Published: Mar 2, 2009 at 9:52 PM PST

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2009 at 11:03 AM PST

ASOTIN - A Clarkston man charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography made a court appearance Monday.

37-year-old Michael Montgomery faces up to 10 years and $20,000 for the felony charges.

He was arrested last week, just a day after being sentenced for sexual battery of a child in Nez Perce County. He was arraigned Monday in Asotin County superior Court.

He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond in the Asotin County Jail.

Deputy prosecutor Joe Jackson explained to the court why the bond amount is appropriate.

"He claims to have engaged in sexual relations with children as young as 9-years-old, also discusses with the individual on the Internet how he has had sexual relations with underage relatives of his. "In that conversation he attempts to solicit sexual contact with a 5-month-old child," said Jackson.

Defense attorney Richard Laws argued that Montgomery is not a threat to the community and has no history of running from the law.

"He's a 17 year veteran of the military, he's had the same job at ATK for 10 years," said Laws.

Judge Frazier disagreed, saying that he does feel that Montgomery is a threat to the community and he reaffirmed bond at $250,000.

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