Crime & Safety

Former County Probation Officer On Trial For Child Pornography Possession

Prosecution takes a break.

Written by Bay City News

The prosecution has rested in its third day of a jury trial against a former San Mateo County chief probation officer facing two charges
of possessing child pornography.

Stuart Forrest was arrested in December 2012 after being named in a complaint by the U.S. Postal Inspector that alleged he possessed child pornography on his personal computer. He was placed on formal administrative leave on Dec. 21 and retired 10 days later on Dec. 31. According to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, the trial will resume at 9 a.m. July 24, following a weeklong break due to defense witness issues.

The prosecution rested just before lunch Wednesday. On Tuesday, the prosecution evidence was completed and six witnesses testified. Jury selection began Monday morning and the 12-person, two alternate jury was seated by 4:45 p.m., according to the district attorney's office. Wagstaffe said that defense attorney Jaime Leanos has stated that Forrest will take the stand in his defense to testify and tell the jury that he had child pornography for business purposes.

Forrest had worked for the county's probation department since 1977 and was appointed chief in 2009.

He remains out of custody on a $100,000 bail bond. The trial will resume in Department 43, San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City, with visiting Judge Robert Atack presiding.


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