BELLINGHAM, Wash. — This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com
One of the founders of the Bellingham Naked Bike Ride was arrested in connection with child pornography, according to My Bellingham Now.
Zachary Robertson, 42, was arrested and subsequently charged last month after police reportedly found explicit images of children on his laptop.
According to My Bellingham Now, citing court documents, Robertson’s partner called police after she saw him viewing what she believed to be child pornography.
Co-founder of Bellingham Naked Bike Ride allegedly tried to delete child porn evidence
Robertson allegedly tried to delete the evidence, but police seized his laptop before he could do so. He reportedly told police he was using the images as a reference for a children’s book he wrote that included children running around naked.
The book is called “Norma Normal,” according to The Cascadia Daily News. It follows “a quirky child who navigates suburban living from the standpoint that she is a part of her ecosystem and her body knows best,” as stated on the book’s website.
My Bellingham Now reported police found Robertson’s claim that he was using the images as references odd, since the book was published in 2020. A search warrant was then granted, and authorities found 25 files of explicit images.
Robertson was arraigned on one count of possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexual conduct and one count of internet viewing of minors engaged in sexual conduct, according to The Cascadia Daily News.
Robertson was released on bail the day after his arrest, and later pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is expected back in court later this month.