Accused Firefighter Released

SPOKANE – A Spokane Firefighter, arrested Tuesday on suspicion of possessing child pornography, has been released from jail following a hearing Wednesday.

Todd Chism, 41, was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail. Chism just after 11 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possessing child pornography, specifically images that depict children having sexual intercourse.

However on Wednesday following his initial appearance he was released from jail because doubt had been raised that he possessed any child pornography and prosecutors do not have enough evidence to charge him at this time.

Doubts about his involvement were raised when Chism’s attorney, Carl Oreskovich, said that a credit card had been used to buy pornograhic material. The credit card was in Chism’s name however Chism claims he was a victim of identity theft.

During Chism’s appearance Oreskovich claimed that his client reported three separate occasions where fraudulent charges had been made involving his credt cards. Chism, according to Oreskovich, contacted his bank and his credit cards were canceled and new cards were issued.

The Washington State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, acting on a tip, executed a search warrant on a home owned by Chism in Stevens County. Investigators removed some items from the home during their search.

None of the evidence recovered from his home has been searched at this point in the investigation.

Chism, a fire station lieutenant and 20-year veteran of the department, works out of Station 16 near Joe Albi Stadium.

City spokesperson Marlene Feist confirms that Chism was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday from his position with the Spokane Fire Department.