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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 22, 2007 Man found guilty of 12 felonies in child pornography case Mark Ray Doty was acquitted on 17 counts of impersonating a police officer By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune A Central Point man has been found guilty of numerous felonies tied to possessing child pornography, although he was acquitted of posing as a police officer to solicit young boys for sex. Mark Ray Doty, 34, was convicted Wednesday by Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Patricia Crain of 12 counts of encouraging child sex abuse. Doty's sentencing was postponed several weeks until he undergoes a presentence investigation, standard in sex crimes. Doty could serve up to three years, nine months in prison or as little as one year and four months, said Rachel Bridges, deputy district attorney for Jackson County. Doty was arrested Sept. 12 after his sister told authorities in late 2005 that she was concerned about young boys staying at her brother's South Fifth Street residence, where he lived with his parents, Bridges said. "He likes young boys about 14 years old," Bridges told the court in her closing argument. Advertisement Police confirmed that at least two of the boys were runaways, said Central Point Police Detective Josh Moulin. But investigators were never able to contact any of the boys to determine whether they were victims of sex crimes, Moulin added. Police did find a dozen photos and videos depicting child pornography on Doty's home computer. The investigation also turned up evidence that Doty had "chatted" online with at least 25 individuals prosecutors purported to be children. During those chats, Doty claimed to be working for the Oregon State Police. Doty's defense attorney, Paul Beneke, argued the state didn't present a context for many of the Internet conversations, which could have taken place between Doty and other adults. Furthermore, Doty said he was a "hacker" working for OSP rather than a sworn officer, Beneke argued. "He's doing something no one would take seriously," the defense attorney told Crain. Moulin said he subpoenaed Internet companies to find the chatters' true identities but was only able to confirm one. Bridges argued that Doty wanted to converse with children. "He threatens to out people to their parents," she said. "He's hoping they're minors." Doty also was using clout as a police officer to coerce chatters into performing sex acts for him, Bridges argued. In some cases, he said he was "collecting evidence." Yet Crain ruled Bridges didn't prove — as the law requires — that Doty acted as a sworn officer rather than a civilian employee for OSP. There also was insufficient evidence that Doty benefitted from any impersonation, Crain said, acquitting him of 17 counts alleging criminal impersonation of a police officer. Doty remains in the Jackson County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary