Local

La Crosse Fire Dept. Division Chief charged with possessing child porn

Published

5 years ago

March 20, 2019

A City of La Crosse Fire Division Chief faces a charge of possession of child porn.

Francis Devine was given a $5,000 signature bond Wednesday afternoon and will appear back in court in April.

According to the criminal complaint, an officer with the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation got a tip Sunday from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a viewing of a child porn image from a computer in Wisconsin.

It was traced back to Devine.

A separate picture of child porn was found on his computer after a search warrant.

Devine told investigators he searched only for adult pornography, but admitted to being “curious” about child porn and saw multiple images.

He also says he didn’t trade any child porn images, and didn’t talk with anyone online about child pornography.

He has been put on administrative leave.

Drew Kelly

Born in Decorah Iowa. I've been a news reporter for the last 10 years, starting right out of college in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Other professional opportunities led me to Marshalltown, Iowa and Antigo Wisconsin, before I finally was afforded the opportunity here in La Crosse. I've been here since 2016. I also act as the voice of local sports, doing play by play of high school and college football and basketball. When not working I enjoy golfing.