Baltimore Prosecutor Charged With Possessing Child Pornography

Baltimore County Police say they've charged a Baltimore City assistant state's attorney assigned to the juvenile division with possession and distribution of child pornography.

On July 12, detectives got a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about internet activity related to child pornography. That led detectives to a home in the 8900 block of Kilkenny Circle in Nottingham.

At 5 a.m. Tuesday, police served a search and seizure warrant there. They recovered images and videos as well as pieces of computer equipment and digital storage devices. All of the equipment will undergo a forensic investigation.

The resident, Patrick Michael Moran, 39, was taken into custody. Police say there's no evidence he was involved in the production of child pornography. He's since been freed on $150,000 bail. He also no longer works for State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

"As prosecutors, we take an oath to uphold the laws of this state and nation," Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said in a statement.

"Therefore, any allegation of wrongdoing or criminal activity by one of our own is extremely troubling. When these allegations involve our most vulnerable constituents, such as children, it makes it all the more despicable and disheartening. I want to assure the residents of Baltimore that we take these allegations seriously and will fully cooperate with the Baltimore County Police and State's Attorney's Office in any way we can as they continue to investigate and ultimately prosecute this now former employee."

A spokeswoman wouldn't say whether Moran resigned or was fired, saying in an email they do not disclose personnel information.

Baltimore County Police spokesman Cpl. John Wachter says there's nothing yet to indicate that the allegations intersect with Moran's cases, but that may change following forensic analysis of the devices recovered.