Former Mount Pleasant Police Chief Pleads Guilty To Child Porn Charges

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A former Westchester County police chief has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.

Brian Fanelli was chief in Mount Pleasant, New York, when he was arrested last year.

Web Extra: Read The Complaint Against Fanelli

The criminal complaint against Fanelli said he told investigators he first used the pornographic images as research for sex abuse awareness classes he taught to schoolchildren.

According to investigators, Fanelli said he later began viewing them "for personal interest."

Fanelli could face up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 12. But as part of a plea bargain, prosecutors are suggesting a term of 41 to 51 months.

Fanelli's arrest prompted a Homeland Security investigation that led to charges against 70 others, including a Boy Scout leader and a rabbi.

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