Conservative Babylon

Claims to fame: Delegate, 1972 Republican Party National Convention; former House Delegate, Maryland General Assembly; member, Ways and Means Committee; sponsor, Child Protection from Predators Act; sponsor, bill to collect DNA samples from sexual predators; sponsor, various other child-protection bills; executive director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County; former chaplain, Hagerstown Jaycees; trustee, community services chairman, First Christian Church; chair, Lincolnshire School Citizens Advisory Committee (1980-84); treasurer, Washington County Mental Health Association (1980-87); president, Little League of Halfway (1980-85, 1992-94); secretary, Parent and Child Center Advisory Committee (1985-88); leading child advocate; suspected kiddie-porn addict

Moral apex: Busted January 31, 2008, after sheriff’s deputies acted on a tip that McKee was in possession of child pornography in his Hagerstown home. Washington County Sheriff Doug Mullendore said “several computers, several videotapes and other printed material” were seized in the raid.

To his credit: McKee “instructed his attorney — former Del. Timothy F. Maloney — to cooperate with law enforcement officials. McKee also said he intends to enter treatment, but did not say what kind of treatment he would seek.” [Baltimore Sun, February 16, 2008]

Family man? Nope. McKee is unmarried, and has no children.

What happened next: McKee resigned as state delegate, and from Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Where things stand now: As of mid-February, 2008: “No charges have been filed against McKee, a Washington County Republican, and Mullendore said it was difficult to say how long the investigation would take because it will require forensic examinations of computers. The FBI is assisting local officials in the case. Mullendore said authorities are not investigating any allegations of child abuse. He declined to comment further.”

Memorable quote:

For me, this is deeply embarrassing. It reflects poorly on my service to the community.

. . .

My primary focus is to get well and stay well. I know this can happen only with the support and prayers of my family and friends and the help of professionals.

— McKee, statement faxed to news agencies

Bible reading for Mr. McKee:

And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

— 2 Kings 8:8

Filed under: McKee, Robert A.