The Associated Press
May 26, 1990
SALT LAKE
CITY - A former Oregon and Utah official was arraigned Friday on a felony
charge of sexual exploitation of a minor. Scott McAlister, most recently the
Utah Corrections inspector general, was given a June 26 preliminary hearing
date.
Defense
lawyer Brad Rich, meanwhile, ruled out the possibility of a plea bargain on
the charge. He steadfastly denied that he illegally possessed two child
pornography films. “I don't think he's guilty of this or any other
offense," Rich said.
McAlister
appeared before 3rd Circuit Judge Robin Reese on the second-degree felony
charge. After being booked in the Salt Lake City County Jail, he was released
on his own recognizance. McAlister, a former Oregon assistant attorney
general, did not enter a plea and was silent during and after the brief
appearance. Prosecutors allege that McAlister possessed two films depicting
child pornography. The films were evidence from an Oregon court that McAlister,
a former Oregon assistant attorney general, brought with him when he moved to
Utah, they contend. McAlister has acknowledged that he shouldn't have had the
films in his possession. Rich said his client had simply forgotten he had them.
"He
was willing to do an act of penance on this," Rich said. The attorney said
McAlister would be returning to an undisclosed Arizona location pending
further court proceedings.