By Associated Press - Tuesday, April 29, 2014

ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) - A former Oregon law enforcement officer has pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges.

The Roseburg News-Review reports (https://bit.ly/1fu7AO8 ) 67-year-old Leland Dale Benson of Rice Hill is accused of encouraging child sex abuse.

A state task force investigation led to a search of Benson’s home last year. Court documents said his computer had at least five images of children being sexually abused. He entered his plea Monday. Trial was set for October.



Benson worked for the Coos Bay police for 25 years. Among his assignments was directing a drug squad.

He moved to Rice Hill in 1996 and had law enforcement roles helping to reorganize the Sutherlin Police Department, serving five months as police chief in Myrtle Creek, and working for the Douglas County sheriff’s office.

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Information from: The News-Review, https://www.nrtoday.com

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