Delegate resigns amid child porn investigation

Published 10:50 pm Saturday, February 16, 2008

WASHINGTON — Robert McKee, a long-serving Republican delegate from Western Maryland, announced his resignation Friday after authorities, who say they are conducting a child pornography investigation, seized two computers, videotapes and printed materials from his Hagerstown, Md., home.

First elected to the House of Delegates in 1994, McKee was chairman of the Western Maryland delegation and sponsored legislation to protect minors from sexual predators. McKee, 58, also resigned Friday from his post as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, a child mentorship program where he has worked for 29 years.

“For me, this is deeply embarrassing,” McKee said. “It reflects poorly on my service to the community.”

For decades, McKee has been involved in youth athletics and children’s groups, according to his General Assembly biography. He has served in officer positions in two Little League groups and as secretary of a parent and child center advisory committee.

The FBI’s cyber-crimes unit and the county sheriff’s office are reviewing the materials seized from McKee’s home Jan. 31, federal and local authorities said.

“No charges have been filed as of this time,” Sheriff Douglas Mullendore said.

Mullendore declined to elaborate on what he called a child pornography investigation and said authorities have not searched the delegate’s office in Annapolis.

McKee’s resignation will take effect at 8 p.m. Monday. He said he will cooperate with authorities.

“In the meantime, I have entered treatment,” McKee said, without providing specifics. “My primary focus is to get well and stay well. I know this can only happen with the support and prayers of my family and friends and the help of professionals.”