Tennessee Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander’s chief of staff was arrested on Wednesday over allegations of possession and distribution of child pornography, the Justice Department said.
Jesse Loskarn, 35, was arrested in Washington by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, according to DOJ spokesman Peter Carr. Loskarn is in custody and is expected to appear in court on Thursday.
The arrest was “based on probable cause for possession and distribution of child pornography charges. … Additional information will be provided as it is provided to the court or unsealed,” the DOJ’s statement read.
Authorities searched Loskarn’s home Wednesday morning in connection with the case. It is unclear whether any materials were confiscated during the raid.
“I am stunned, surprised and disappointed by what I have learned,” Alexander said in a statement, adding, “the office is fully cooperating with the investigation.” Loskam was placed on leave from Alexander’s office without pay.
Loskarn was named Alexander’s chief of staff in 2011, and has worked in both the Senate and House, including for Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn. Before joining Alexander’s staff, he served as staff director for the Senate Republican Conference.
Traci Lee