According to state police, the mayor of the village of Stillwater in Upstate New York is facing charges of child pornography. Police obtained a search warrant and arrested Rick W. Nelson, age 62, at his home. The investigation began when members of the State Police Computer Crimes Unit discovered that an IP address in Stillwater had downloaded pictures portraying child pornography.

Nelson faces one felony count each of promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child. According to police, there is no sign that any crimes took place on the property belonging to the village. Nelson’s arraignment occurred in the Town of Saratoga Court and he was remanded to the Saratoga County Jail instead of $25,000/$50,000 bond.

Nelson has tendered his resignation in light of the child pornography charges. The Times Union revealed that Deputy Mayor Frank Tatum is serving as acting mayor of the village. The Village website stated that the former mayor was a member, deacon and officer in the Stillwater United Church. In April 2015, he took over from the person who served as mayor of Stillwater for the longest period of time.

Charges of possession of child pornography can have destructive effects on the life of the person arrested even though that person may have been wrongly accused. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Brill Legal Group know how to develop an effective defense strategy for you. They possess the knowledge and skill to defend your rights, interests and reputation.