Broken Arrow Child Pornography Investigation

The owner of a Broken Arrow skating rink faces federal child pornography charges. A federal grand jury issued an indictment in the case.<br/> <br/>News on 6 anchor Craig Day says many people are shocked

Tuesday, November 14th 2006, 10:53 am

By: News On 6

The owner of a Broken Arrow skating rink faces federal child pornography charges. A federal grand jury issued an indictment in the case.

News on 6 anchor Craig Day says many people are shocked by the unsettling allegations.

According to the indictment from the US Attorney's Office, David Abston faces charges of distribution of child pornography. Abston is accused of knowingly distributing three pictures of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The News on 6 has learned more about David Abston. He was the public relations officer for the Muskogee Police Department in the 1970s and '80s. His responsibilities included daily programs at the public schools there.

Broken Arrow Police says their investigation began with an anonymous tip. "It said that quite possibly, some inappropriate activity was going on between some of the juvenile patrons and the owner," said Major Mark Irwin.

Investigators are still looking into those allegations.

The FBI also received a tip, and according to the grand jury indictment, found child pornography after searching a computer at Abston's Tulsa home.

David Abston has owned the skating rink for about a year and a half. The News on 6 talked to one long time employee. He didn't want to be on camera, but he told the News on 6, employees are shocked by the allegations.

Since Abston owned a business that caters to children, Broken Arrow Police are working to determine if any local children were harmed in any way.

"It's certainly a concern of ours and we do want to make sure that if there is any potential for criminal activity, or inappropriate conduct, that the parents of these juveniles contact us," said Major Irwin.

Broken Arrow Police want any concerned parent to call them; their number is 259-8400.

David Abston has a hearing in federal court Wednesday.