Youth Group Leader Charged With Possession, Distribution Of Child Porn

COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- A youth group leader at a Baltimore County church has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

An investigation found Robert David Wright, of Cockeysville, had downloaded thousands of pornographic images of female babies, toddlers and prepubescent girls -- including images of children being raped -- to his home computer.

Wright is a youth group leader at Clynmalira United Methodist Church in Phoenix, Md.

There is no evidence that any of the children pictured in the photos and videos recovered at Wright's home were members of the church, or that Wright sexually abused children himself.

The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are still reviewing the material seized from Wright's home.

Wright, 35, is being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on $150,000 bail.

In a statement, Revered John Dailey said, "As pastor of Clynmalira United Methodist Church in Phoenix, I was contacted by Baltimore County law enforcement officials Jan. 13 and notified that Robert Wright was being charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Rob is a member of the church and has served as a volunteer leader of our youth group.

"I want to stress that the leaders of Clynmalira take these allegations very seriously. Providing a safe environment for the children and youth of the church is of vital importance to us.

"For several years, we have had a Safe Sanctuary policy in place to provide specific procedures and protocols to protect the young people who attend our church. The policy is one used by every United Methodist Church in Maryland and Washington, D.C. We are diligent in its implementation and, because of this, feel confident that Robert Wright was never alone with any of the youth. Law enforcement officials have shared with us there is no evidence that any of the children pictured in the pornographic materials were members of Clynmalira.

"We will be cooperating fully with the authorities as this case progresses. We will also keep Mr. Wright and his family, along with the youth of the church, in our prayers."

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