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Presidential campaign volunteer arrested in Hanover on child pornography charges

Posted at 11:03 PM, Oct 08, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-09 07:08:27-04

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. -- Two downloaded images of child pornography triggered an investigation coast to coast.

It landed on the door step of Michael Teegarden, whose biography states he's a financial advisor, a former assistant principal and state chairman for a current presidential candidate.

Teegarden, 51, of Mechanicsville, was charged on two counts of child pornography after deputies executed a search warrant at his home in the 10000 block of Morning Dew Lane.

"It definitely seemed as if something was going on,” said neighbor Amanda Moore. “Kind of a red flag."

Deputies and members of the Southern Virginia Crimes Against Children task force searched the home after getting a tip that a computer inside was being used for the online trading of digital child pornography.

"You know the exploitation of children exists," said Hanover County Maj. Mike Trice.

Investigators said a tip from Oregon led them to the home Thursday.  Neighbors said they saw deputies and undercover agents packing bags of evidence.

Michael Teegarden

"Oregon is really not far, just an internet mile around the block, so to speak,” said Trice. “There's a network of special agents that shares information on crimes against children and tips all the time."

Deputies arrested Teegarden Thursday morning.

HIs biography stated he is the state chairman of the Virginians for Martin O'Malley for President campaign. That campaign released a statement Thursday afternoon that said:

"We're horrified by these allegations and if he's found guilty, he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. He's no longer a volunteer and we've severed ties with him immediately."

"I just pray for the guy’s family,” said Moore.  “I know they're blindsided."

Moore said the arrest could lead her to get more involved in her neighborhood. “It does raise awareness,” she said.  “You know, you can have blinders on living in a place like this and you can easily miss what's going on around you."

Investigators said more charges could be filed after consultation with the Attorney General's office.

Teegarden remains at Pamunkey Regional Jail with no bond.

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