NorthwestDecember 5, 2013

A Lewiston man charged with 10 counts of possessing child pornography accepted a plea bargain this week that includes dropping eight of the charges against him.

Daniel B. Scroggins, 53, pleaded guilty in 2nd District Court Tuesday to two of the counts of sexual exploitation of a child, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The remaining charges could be dismissed by the state if a judge accepts the agreement.

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The plea bargain was based in part on a psycho-sexual evaluation stating "the defendant is amenable to treatment and not a predator," according to court records.

Police began investigating Scroggins last spring following a tip that he was downloading child pornography, according to court records. He was charged in April after police seized two laptop computers, two desktop computers and an external hard drive from his residence. Scroggins was being held in the Nez Perce County Jail on a $25,000 bond, but was released after this week's hearing.

Sentencing is scheduled Feb. 13 before 2nd District Judge Carl B. Kerrick.

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