By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A former Salkum man arrested last month for allegedly possessing child porn was released from the jail yesterday, his charges dropped.
Joshua Q. Keele, 38, was arrested in early September near his home in Port Hadlock following a local investigation that began in April, with a tip from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A Lewis County Sheriff’s Office detective collected computers and electronic devices and discovered at least one image that led to a charge of first-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer said the charge was dismissed yesterday, because there are reports from other agencies he has not yet received.
However, it was dismissed with prejudice, meaning he may file the charge again later, he said.
“We talked with the sheriff’s office and the FBI and we all agreed this was the best thing to do,” Meyer said.
Meyer said he expects later next week to get together with others to decide their next steps and when he would refile the charges.
•••
For background, read “FBI child porn investigation leads to Lewis County” from Friday Sept. 5, 2014, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter