Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
February 10, 2007
By Associated Press
A colonel in the Arizona National Guard faces a child sex charge in Arkansas after reportedly using the Internet to arrange a late-night meeting with a police officer posing as a 14-year-old girl, authorities said Friday.
Col. Donald Wodash, who is deputy chief of staff for operations for the Army's 153rd Brigade, was arrested late Thursday night and charged with computer child pornography, North Little Rock police spokesman Terry Kuykendall said.
Wodash, 45, of Chandler, was released on his own recognizance at 3 a.m. Friday.
Kuykendall said Wodash engaged the investigator in a conversation and, using a Web camera, exposed and touched himself. Then authorities allege that Wodash arranged a meeting, still thinking he was chatting with a 14-year-old girl.
"A meeting was set at a predetermined location. Shortly after that, he was arrested and charged with computer child pornography," said Kuykendall, adding that the arrest was without incident.
The Arkansas law involving computer child pornography covers a range of acts, including adults using computers to try to arrange sex with children, Kuykendall said.
Kuykendall said Wodash was in North Little Rock on business but was uncertain whether that involved Wodash's duty with the National Guard.
Wodash posted bail and returned to Arizona on Friday, said Maj. Paul Aguirre, a spokesman for the Arizona National Guard. He was not available for comment late Friday evening.
Aguirre said Wodash is a full-time Army National Guard member currently assigned as director of operations in the state. In that position, he coordinates and oversees the mobilization, planning and scheduling of units that are called into service.
Aguirre said the Guard has not received any official notification of charges against Wodash and would consider what action may be appropriate under military regulations once that happens.
"Leadership is taking a look at whatever's happening, and will take whatever the appropriate action is for a situation like this," Aguirre said.
February 10, 2007
By Associated Press
A colonel in the Arizona National Guard faces a child sex charge in Arkansas after reportedly using the Internet to arrange a late-night meeting with a police officer posing as a 14-year-old girl, authorities said Friday.
Col. Donald Wodash, who is deputy chief of staff for operations for the Army's 153rd Brigade, was arrested late Thursday night and charged with computer child pornography, North Little Rock police spokesman Terry Kuykendall said.
Wodash, 45, of Chandler, was released on his own recognizance at 3 a.m. Friday.
Kuykendall said Wodash engaged the investigator in a conversation and, using a Web camera, exposed and touched himself. Then authorities allege that Wodash arranged a meeting, still thinking he was chatting with a 14-year-old girl.
"A meeting was set at a predetermined location. Shortly after that, he was arrested and charged with computer child pornography," said Kuykendall, adding that the arrest was without incident.
The Arkansas law involving computer child pornography covers a range of acts, including adults using computers to try to arrange sex with children, Kuykendall said.
Kuykendall said Wodash was in North Little Rock on business but was uncertain whether that involved Wodash's duty with the National Guard.
Wodash posted bail and returned to Arizona on Friday, said Maj. Paul Aguirre, a spokesman for the Arizona National Guard. He was not available for comment late Friday evening.
Aguirre said Wodash is a full-time Army National Guard member currently assigned as director of operations in the state. In that position, he coordinates and oversees the mobilization, planning and scheduling of units that are called into service.
Aguirre said the Guard has not received any official notification of charges against Wodash and would consider what action may be appropriate under military regulations once that happens.
"Leadership is taking a look at whatever's happening, and will take whatever the appropriate action is for a situation like this," Aguirre said.