Maryland Delegate Resigns After House Raided

AP-Delegate Robert A. McKee, chairman of the General Assembly's western Maryland delegation, resigned Friday, saying in a statement that he has "entered treatment" after investigators searched his home during a child pornography investigation.

The FBI's cyber crimes unit is helping Washington County authorities in analyzing materials seized from McKee's home near Hagerstown, an FBI spokesman said Friday. The cyber crimes unit investigates computer crimes including malicious hacking, child pornography and Internet fraud.

"For me, this is deeply embarrassing," McKee said in a statement faxed to news organizations. "It reflects poorly on my service to the community as a state delegate and as executive director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Washington County. Accordingly, I am resigning today from both positions."

McKee, a Republican, did not return repeated phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment. In a signed letter to House Speaker Michael Busch, McKee indicated that his resignation would be effective 8 p.m. Monday, said Alexandra Hughes, a spokeswoman for the speaker.

Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore confirmed that the case is a child pornography investigation. Mullendore said investigators conducted the Jan. 31 search of the home after receiving a phone call from someone who told them about child pornography at the residence. Mullendore said investigators seized several computers, about 30 video tapes and printed material containing logs of different information.

Mullendore said the sheriff's department asked for FBI assistance, partly because the investigation involved a public figure. Charges have not been filed, and Mullendore said he did not know when, or if, charges would be filed.

"I would suspect we're talking weeks away at least," Mullendore said.

The Washington County Republican Central Committee will make a recommendation to Gov. Martin O'Malley for a replacement, Hughes said.

McKee, 58, has served in the House of Delegates since 1995, following his election in 1994.

FBI Special Agent Richard J. Wolf said the Washington County Sheriff's Department requested his agency's help after searching McKee's home in Halfway, an unincorporated community south of Hagerstown.

McKee said he has instructed his counsel to cooperate with law enforcement.

"In the meantime, I have entered treatment," McKee said in the statement. "My primary focus is to get well and stay well. I know this can only happen with the support and prayers of my family and friends and the help of professionals."..............