Downstate fire official face child porn charges

BENTON -- An assistant fire chief in southern Illinois is on administrative leave after being charged by federal prosecutors with having and distributing child pornography.

A September 18th preliminary hearing is set for Kristopher McNew.

The 45-year-old man works with the volunteer fire department in Saline County's Carrier Mills. He was arrested after federal agents raided his home last week.

Authorities say McNew admitted viewing and sharing the pornography over the Internet, and that a pair of girl's underwear found by searchers of his home was his souvenir from a house fire he helped douse.

The Associated Press left a message with McNew's attorneys seeking comment Friday.