Bond has been set at $50,000 for WBNS-10TV meteorologist Mike Davis, who was arraigned in a Franklin County courtroom Friday morning on child pornography charges.
Davis, 60, faces one charge of “pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor," which may include advertising, selling or distributing material. If found guilty, Davis could face up to eight years in jail.
In hearing Friday, Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Eileen Paley set a $25,000 cash bond and a $25,000 appearance bond.
“I want somebody out there watching him,” said the judge.
Paley forbid Davis from unsupervised contact with minors and confiscated his passport. She also said he should not be allowed Internet access, including through his phone.
“If he has to get a flip phone, get a flip phone,” she said.
Davis was arrested at his home by Upper Arlington Police on Thursday and brought to the Franklin County Jail. Authorities say Davis possessed a "significant" number of images depicting children, and are investigating the case through the Franklin County Sheriff’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
"These images, they're not the typical 5-year-old in a bathtub that mom likes to take photos. These are kids that are clearly being exploited for someone's sexual appetite," said Chief Rick Minerd in a Thursday afternoon conference.
Defense attorney Terry Sherman asked the judge to release Davis on a personal bond saying he has strong ties to the community and no criminal record.
"Pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor" is a second-degree felony, which according to the Ohio Revised Code carries a maximum eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
A preliminary hearing is set for Friday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m.
10TV general manager John Cardenas said the station learned about Davis' arrest at 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Cardenas says they will be reporting on the case and declined to give further comment.
