Ex-deputy pleads guilty to having child porn

LONGVIEW — A former Rusk County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing child pornography.

Kenneth Calvin Martin, 36, of Henderson admitted to possessing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors in Tyler federal court, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's office.

A deputy sheriff discovered multiple files containing child pornography on a laptop computer within a patrol vehicle on April 30, according to evidence presented in court. The deputy contacted his supervisor, and an investigation revealed Martin used the computer to download the files in November. Forensic analysis of Martin's personal computer revealed 23 digital images and 12 video clips of child pornography.

Rusk County Chief Deputy Darryl Norris said Martin was fired from the sheriff's department shortly after the images were discovered. "We were surprised when we heard the allegations," Norris said.

Martin faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A sentencing date has not been set.

Martin is the third former Rusk County sheriff's deputy to plead guilty to federal charges this year. Johnny Leon Davidson Jr. pleaded guilty in August and Daniel "Dusty" Flanagan pleaded guilty in July to violating the civil rights of an inmate in November.