Former Ferndale school board member arrested for child porn

FERNDALE, Wash. (AP) — A longtime Ferndale School Board member who resigned suddenly in June has been arrested for investigation of possessing child pornography.

The Bellingham Herald reports 67-year-old Stuart D. McKay made his first appearance in Whatcom County Superior Court Friday.

Authorities say the investigation began in late June, when the BP Cherry Point Refinery, where McKay was working as a contractor, contacted authorities about "suspicious activity" on a computer assigned to him.

Investigators say McKay accessed "hundreds if not thousands" of sexually explicit photos of children - including infants.

School District Superintendent Linda Quinn told the paper officials were surprised and cooperating with law enforcement.

McKay remained silent throughout the brief court hearing. His attorney told the court McKay is a lifelong resident of the county and has no criminal history in Washington state.

His bail was set at $20,000.