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OGDEN — A dentist in Weber County was charged Tuesday with downloading child pornography.
Because Daniel Patrick Alston, 71, has a home in Mexico and plans to retire soon, prosecutors are seeking a high bail to keep him in custody.
Alston, of South Ogden, was charged in 2nd District Court with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, after an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force turned up pornographic images depicting young girls on his home computer, according to court documents.
Alston told investigators he had downloaded the images "due to curiosity and the 'forbidden' nature of the material," charges state.
While the task force had requested $250,000 bail for Alston, 2nd District Judge Michael DiReda set bail at $100,000 cash, court documents indicate. He remained in custody in Weber County Jail on Tuesday night, according to jail records.
As a practicing dentist, investigators said Alston has "access to children on a regular basis." Court documents suggest Alston may have accessed one of the pornographic images at a dental office.
Alston has active dental licenses in Utah, according to the state's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The division lists no disciplinary actions for Alston.
An initial court appearance for Alston is scheduled for Wednesday.
State court records indicate Alston has no prior criminal history in Utah.
