KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly quoted court documents as saying evidence suggested Roark used his computer to view and distribute child porn. The record mentioned by a U.S. magistrate judge referenced a different case from 2007, not Roark’s. KPD says it has no evidence Roark used a department computer in the crime.
Former Knoxville Police Department officer Dan Roark entered a not-guilty plea in a 10-minute arraignment Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin.
With his legs shackled, wrists cuffed, a chain around his waist and wearing a gray and white jumpsuit, the longtime former law enforcement officer was told of the government's charges against him.
Roark is charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit a child, sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Poplin asked him if he understood the nature of the charges.
"Yes, your honor," Roark responded.
As a government prosecutor read the charges and maximum penalties, Roark looked down at the table. Poplin set the trial for Jan. 23, 2024, though that date is likely to move.
At the end of the hearing, two U.S. marshals escorted Roark, still chained, into custody.
Earlier this month, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill McCook ruled Roark should remain detained "pending further proceedings in this case," to assure the safety of the community. McCook wrote in her order that evidence suggested Roark had violated the public's trust.
Poplin did not address Roark's detention in Monday's hearing.
Knoxville Police's internal investigation into Roark's charges said Roark was arrested at KPD headquarters on Nov. 6, 2023.
An affidavit written by a Department of Homeland Security special agent said Roark requested "child sex abuse material" from the mother of a young girl who lived in Scott County, Virginia.
The affidavit said Roark asked the woman to take pictures of her now 10-year-old daughter, as early as when the daughter was 5 or 6 years old.
The investigator provided examples of text messages between Roark and the woman involved, the affidavit shows.
"U can do better than that," Roark said in one of those messages.
In another, Roark agreed to send $200 in the mail to that mother, for sending the pictures.
The Knoxville Police Department announced it had fired Roark on Nov. 13.
"The allegations against him are monstrous and this type of behavior has no place in civilized society on this planet," said Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel.
In KPD's Office of Professional Standards investigation file of Roark's arrest, which 10News has reviewed, investigators said Roark was arrested at KPD headquarters on Nov. 6, 2023. The internal investigation found Roark used his KPD-issued vehicle to mail money to the victim's mother.
Roark's attorney declined to comment for this story.
Scott County, Virginia jail records show the victim's mother faces 40 charges involving child pornography.