Former DCF Worker Convicted On Child Porn Charges

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A former spokesman for Florida's child
welfare agency has pleaded guilty to producing child pornography,
less than a week before he was expected to stand trial.
Al Zimmerman entered the plea Wednesday morning. A sentencing
date has not been set, but the charge carries a mandatory minimum
sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison.
Zimmerman was arrested in February and accused of taking photos
of at least two teenage boys for distribution overseas. He was
fired by the Department of Children & Families.
One of the boys has been identified as a foster child of
Zimmerman's agency.
New charges, including receiving and possessing child
pornography, had recently been handed up.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)