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Monday, March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

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Teacher, Scouts leader accused of having child porn

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A Boy Scouts leader who works as a substitute teacher for Evergreen Public Schools is accused of possessing child pornography.

Darrel James Dwight, 52, of Vancouver appeared in Clark County Superior Court Friday on suspicion of 10 counts of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He also faces federal charges for ordering child pornography from a Canadian company and having it shipped to the United States, according to court papers.

Judge Robert Lewis held Dwight in the Clark County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail and appointed Vancouver attorney Jeff Staples to defend him. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges Jan. 8.

Dwight was arrested Wednesday when investigators with the U.S. Inspection Service served a search warrant on his person and residence in Vancouver’s Northwest neighborhood.

During a search of Dwight’s pockets, law enforcement officers found two thumb drives. A computer forensic special agent with U.S. Homeland Security analyzed the contents of the thumb drives and found 600 images, including photos and videos of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit activity, according to a probable cause affidavit by Vancouver police Officer Tom Topaum.

Much of the content involved boys between the ages of 8 and 12, Topaum wrote.

He indicated that Dwight has served as a director for Stephenson Children Care Association Inc. and currently works for Evergreen Public Schools as a substitute teacher for grades K-8. Dwight indicated in a supervised release form that he has worked for the school district for five years. However, Topaum stated that Dwight has worked full time for the school district for 10 years. Officials with Evergreen Public Schools were unavailable Friday to confirm his length of employment because offices were closed for the holiday.

Dwight also serves as treasurer for Boy Scouts Troop 316, which meets in Hazel Dell.

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