MARINTETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A Pound man faces ten counts of possession of child pornography. Thomas Porte, who works for Crivitz Rescue, is also being investigated for possibly sending inappropriate messages with a teenager in that organization, according to a criminal complaint.
Porte, 43, pleaded not guilty Thursday to the charges after waiting a preliminary hearing. A status conference is scheduled for July 28, court records show.
According to the criminal complaint, police were notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about suspicious activity. The account was traced to Porte. The files showed a variety of naked underage children.
“He thought that AI pornography, even if it is apparent child pornography, is legal to possess and distribute,” the complaint states. “Thomas said he did not intentionally seek out or repost any images of child pornography. He just reposted what he saw on his feed Thomas said that he has a pornography addiction, but he is working on it because it causes problems between he and his girlfriend.”
During the investigation, information was developed alleging “Porte was engaging in inappropriate behavior with a 16 female, who was part of Crivitz Rescue, including sending her images of himself with little clothing on.”
None of the charges filed, however, relate to that part of the case.
The Crivitz Rescue Squad, Inc., posted a statement on social media Sunday about the case.
“The Crivitz Rescue Squad is aware of the current screenshot circulating on Facebook regarding one of our volunteer members. CRS or its membership can not comment on any social media in regards to the situation. Please refrain from contacting our membership regarding this situation.
Porte previously worked for Wausaukee Rescue and Brazeau Rescue, and also volunteers for the Pound Fire Dept., the complaint states.
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