Former Congressman Facing Porn Charges in Zimbabwe
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(HARARE, Zimbabwe) — Former Illinois Democratic Congressman Mel Reynolds was arrested in Zimbabwe on Monday and charged with possession of pornographic materials, which is a crime in that African country.
Authorities were investigating Reynolds, 62, at the time of his arrest for living in Zimbabwe without a valid visa.
The former lawmaker was also alleged to have more than $24,000 in unpaid hotel bills since his latest stay in Zimbabwe that began last November.
While serving in Congress, Reynolds was indicted in 1994 for sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse for having a relationship with a 16-year-old campaign worker. He resigned his seat and was convicted in 1995.
During his five-year prison term, Reynolds was also found guilty of bank fraud and lying to SEC investigators. Although another six years was tacked onto his sentence, it was commuted by then-President Bill Clinton before he left office in 2001.
Reynolds ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2004.
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