PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Dennis “Denny” Doyle, the longtime former mayor of Beaverton, appeared in federal court Friday for allegedly possessing child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon announced on Friday morning that Doyle is accused of possessing pornographic images of minors under the age of 12. Officials said he had these images from November 2014 to December 2015.
In an information document filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecutors said Doyle needed to forfeit property containing child pornography, used to promote it, used to commit it, including “but not limited to, one purple 64GB Lexar USB thumb drive.”
During court proceedings on Friday, the 73-year-old Beaverton resident pleaded not guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. Doyle also denied the forfeiture allegations.
An expected two-day trial was scheduled for May 10 but has since been moved to September 6. He was not detained pre-trial, but ordered to not have any contact with any minors.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is urged to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Doyle was first elected as Beaverton’s mayor in 2008, taking office in 2009. He lost his re-election in 2020 against current Mayor Lacey Beaty.
In a statement to KOIN 6 News on the allegations, Mayor Beaty said, “I stand with all children and those who find themselves exploited. Like you, I am shocked by the news today. We elect leaders with the expectation that they will serve, protect, and advocate for our children, families, and our communities. The charges against former Mayor Doyle are deeply concerning. The City of Beaverton is aware of the situation.”
Federal authorities said the case against Doyle was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the US Justice Department in 2006 to fight child sexual exploitation and abuse.