Local

Suspended La Crosse Division Fire Chief prepares for trial in child porn possession case

Published

5 years ago

May 22, 2019

The court hearing was quick Wednesday morning for longtime La Crosse Division Fire Chief Frank Devine, who’s accused of possessing child pornography.

Devine waived his preliminary hearing, pleaded not guilty and Judge Elliot Levine decided there was enough evidence to go to trial. It all occurred within 10 minutes.

Four explicit images of underage children were tracked back to Devine’s IP address.

He told investigators he wasn’t searching for child porn, but it popped up while he was viewing other pornography and he was curious.

Devine recently reached a deal with the fire department that will allow him to retire in June

He faces a minimum of three years in prison if convicted.

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.