SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Ronald Hale has resigned from his post as Southaven alderman after he was charged with transportation of child pornography.
According to a report from the district attorney, Hale is accused of having sexually explicit images and videos of children on his computer.
Hale, 57, turned himself in to the U.S. Marshals and made his first court appearance in an arraignment Wednesday morning.
Related: Southaven Alderman Ronald Hale pleads not guilty to procuring prostitution
If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite said Hale informed him Wednesday that he was resigning as Ward 2 alderman with the city. Musselwhite said the city will present a resolution declaring the position vacant at a Jan. 2 board meeting.
A special election will follow 30-45 days later, he said.
Hale has previously pleaded not guilty to procuring prostitution.