The U.S. Postal Inspection Service on Wednesday arrested Ryan Loskarn, Sen. Lamar Alexander’s (R-TN) chief of staff, on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography.
“Jesse Ryan Loskarn, 35, of Washington, D.C., was arrested this afternoon by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service based on probable cause for possession and distribution of child pornography charges,” Peter Carr, a Justice Department spokesperson, said in an emailed statement. “He remains in custody pending a court hearing that is expected to be scheduled for tomorrow at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Alexander announced that law enforcement agents had searched Loskarn’s residence in connection to allegations involving child pornography. The senator said in a statement that he had put his aide on administrative leave without pay.
“I am stunned, surprised and disappointed by what I have learned,” Alexander said.
A longtime Republican strategist and aide, Loskarn was named Alexander’s chief of staff in 2011. Before that he worked for the Senate Republican Conference Committee, which included time under former Sen. Jon Kyl, as well as stints for former Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA), Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and the House Rules Committee.
Late Update: NBC Washington captured video of Loskarn being escorted from his home on Wednesday.
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