Lane Rees, a 61-year-old GOP committeeman for Walton County, Fla., was arrested Monday night for possession and transmission of child pornography, according to a Northwest Florida Daily News report, since confirmed by other Florida outlets.
Police reportedly searched Rees' house after conducting a month-long investigation that began when authorities received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in February about child pornography being traded by an online profile at his address.
Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson told the Daily News on Monday that police had found "pretty significant images" matching the tip they'd received.
Rees has served as a GOP committeeman since 2008, but has held more powerful positions in local Republican politics in the past. His wife, Brenda, currently serves as Walton County’s elected state committeewoman.
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According to his website, Rees was named Walton's "Man of the Year" in 2011 and has been active in the Evangelical community.
He faces up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines for each of the child pornography charges.