The News-Courier in Athens, Alabama

March 27, 2008

Former Birmingham councilman gets 5 years for child porn


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A former Birmingham city councilman is headed to federal prison for five years for child pornography.

A judge handed down the sentence Thursday to Don MacDermott Jr. of Trussville. The 53-year-old former politician pleaded guilty to possessing child porn he bought off the Internet.

MacDermott’s arrest stemmed from a federal investigation in a ring that operated several for-profit Internet sites with sexually explicit photos of children. He was arrested after a raid at his home last August.

Besides the prison time, the judge ordered MacDermott to stay away from children after his release. He must register as a sex offender and spend 35 years on probation.

MacDermott served one four-year term on the Birmingham City Council ending in 2001.