Brian Doyle

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For the comedian and actor, see Brian Doyle-Murray.

Brian J. Doyle (born April 7, 1950) was the deputy press secretary for the United States Department of Homeland Security. He was the fourth highest ranking official in the department's public affairs office. He is divorced.[1]. From 1975 to 2001, he worked on the Washington news desk for Time Magazine[2].

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[edit] Arrest

On April 4, 2006, Doyle was arrested at his Silver Spring, Maryland home on 23 charges related to the use of a computer to seduce a child and transmitting harmful materials to a minor. Polk County, Florida investigators allege that the incident began March 14, 2006; Doyle was contacted by an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl in an AOL chat room, and after numerous conversations online the two allegedly began engaging in sexually explicit conversation -- this included the sending "hard core" pornographic movie clips by Doyle to undercover detective over the internet[3]. Authorities say he sent pictures of himself, but that they were not sexually explicit. In one photo, Doyle's DHS security picture identification tag was clearly visible, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Sheriff Judd has made national headlines for his aggressive tactics and sting operations involving online child solicitation.[4] Polk County prosecutors also allege he could have held similar conversations online with others, Judd said, because at some points during online chats he would address the detective by the wrong name.[1].

During discussions between Doyle and an undercover deputy, Doyle revealed that he worked for the Department of Homeland Security and gave his office phone number and his government-issued cell phone number[5].

Doyle reportedly confessed to Polk County detectives and was extradited to Florida[1][2] where he was held by Polk County prosecutors in jail until released on bond. He is pending trial before Circuit Judge J. Dale Durrance. [6]

[edit] Political Repercussions

The arrest of Doyle, given that he was an official at the Department of Homeland Security Public Affairs Office, was an occasion for political bickering between supporters of the Bush Administration/Republicans and supporters of the Democrats. The Department of Homeland Security has reportedly brought in grief counselors as many as three times to support Doyle's work colleagues upset by his arrest.

Democrats argued that the Bush Administration should have better vetted their appointees[1]. Republicans countered that Doyle is a registered Democrat[2], who has made public statements criticizing Ronald Reagan[3], and in the e-mails he sent the undercover detective posing as a minor he attacked George W. Bush personally[4].

The Polk County sting operation, which reportedly included support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) coincided with United States Senate committee hearings critical of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) effectiveness in addressing issues of Internet pornography and sexual predators online.

[edit] References

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c Meserve, Jeanne. "DHS spokesman arrested in child sex sting". Retrieved on 2006-04-05.
  2. ^ a b Janofsky, Michael. "Official Resists Extradition on Charge Involving Internet and Sex". Retrieved on 2006-04-07.
  3. ^ Spitzer, Michelle. "Homeland Security Official Arrested", The Washington Post/Associated Press. Retrieved on 2006-04-04.
  4. ^ "Web Bust Brings Fame to Sheriff". The Ledger. Retrieved on 2004-07-14.
  5. ^ "Homeland Security Deputy Press Secretary arrested". Polk County Sheriff's Office. Retrieved on 2004-04-04.
  6. ^ "J. Dale Durrance: Just Plain Mean". The Ledger. Retrieved on 2004-07-14.

[edit] Bibliography

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