A Washougal man who worked as a nurse at Portland’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital has been charged in federal court with possession, receipt and distribution of child pornography.
Bryan W. Corbitt, 43, was arrested Thursday night and was to make a first appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on Friday.
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney, the investigation began last November. An undercover federal agent working online found a suspect using the screen name “kidluver” sharing files containing child pornography.
Investigators traced the screen name and other information to Corbitt’s home, where they served a search warrant on Feb. 1. While serving the warrant, they realized Corbitt was employed as a pediatric intensive care nurse at Doernbecher, which is a unit of Oregon Health and Science University. He had worked there since July 2002.
The hospital placed Corbitt on unpaid leave the same day; he resigned on Feb. 10.
According to OHSU officials, no photos of explicit nature have been linked to Doernbecher patients.
The hospital has launched its own investigation, which is ongoing. The investigation has not indicated that Corbitt transmitted sexually explicit material at or from OHSU.
“This defendant betrayed the mission of the medical profession. Law enforcement is working closely with the hospital to identify the full scope of the criminal conduct in this case, and to identify any victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan in a statement. “I want to thank OHSU for its cooperation as we continue to investigate this defendant’s activities and any criminal associates.”
The hospital is contacting patients who may have come into contact with Corbitt, and asking them to contact OHSU Patient Relations at 1-855-650-3900 if they have any concerns.
If convicted of receiving and distributing child pornography, he could face a 20-year prison term. Possession of child porn carries a prison term of up to 10 years.
