Scott Ritter, the former chief U.N. weapons inspector in Iraq who harshly criticized the Bush administration's case for war, has been arrested in an online sex sting for allegedly masturbating on webcam while talking dirty to a Pennsylvania police officer posing as a 15- year-old girl.

In 2001, Ritter faced similar charges after an online sting by New York police that he blamed on his criticism of the war. Charges were later dropped.

Ritter, 44, declined to comment to reporters gathered outside his home in Delmar, N.Y., near Albany, the Associated Press reports, noting a welcome mat that reads "U.S. Marine Corps, The Ritters."

Ritter and his wife, Marina, have "twin daughters who are about 16," the AP writes, citing published interviews.

He is charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and is free on $25,000 bail. A court hearing is set for Feb. 23.

The Pocono Record offers a link to the police affidavit but warns in red that it contains "Extremely Graphic Content."

(Posted by Michael Winter)