Major SF Political Consultant Arrested on Child Porn Charges

Usually political consultants like Enrique Pearce are charged with handling the scandals of their political clients, but this week it was the consultant in hot water for hundreds of disturbing child pornography images allegedly found in Pearce’s possession.

Authorities say they found over 600 images of children engaged in sex or simulation, including sadism and masochism. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, police arrested 41-year-old Pearce Thursday for several charges including possessing and distributing the vulgar material. Bail was set at $215,000.

Pearce is a well-established San Francisco political consultant. He reportedly received a $5,000 a month retainer as consultant to Mayor Ed Lee’s reelection campaign. Supervisors Jane Kim and Norman Yee have also been clients of Pearce, the Chronicle reported.

In response, Mayor Lee senior advisor Tony Winniker stated, “Mayor Lee is profoundly shocked. These are deeply disturbing and serious charges, and he trusts law enforcement to fully investigate and prosecute, if true.” Mayor Lee has directed his campaign to cut off all ties to Pearce and Pearce’s company in light of the news, said Winniker. The campaign confirmed that the relationship was terminated Friday.

Pearce was slated to participate in a fall housing bond campaign for Mayor Lee before his arrest.

Representative Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) has also used the consulting services of Pearce, reported the Chronicle. “He has also been a close ally of Chinatown powerhouse Rose Pak and was a key player in the “Run Ed Run” campaign that she helped orchestrate that persuaded Lee to run for a full four-year term.”

Pearce’s Asian American-focused get-out-the-vote campaign reportedly erected what looked like a voting area in Chinatown. According to the Chronicle, reports of workers helping people fill out ballots reached the district attorney’s office, but Pearce denied the allegations, and no charges were filed.

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