Fired Senate staffer charged in connection with child porn released from jail

The fired chief of staff for Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander will live with his parents in Maryland and be electronically monitored while he awaits trial on charges of possession and attempted distribution of child pornography.

A federal judge allowed Ryan Loskarn to be released from custody after a hearing Monday. Loskarn's lawyers argued that the 35-year-old had no prior convictions or arrests and that he should be freed. Prosecutors opposed the request.

Magistrate Judge John Facciola ordered Loskarn to be confined to his parents' home on the monitor. He also isn't allowed any access to the Internet.

Loskarn's parents appeared in court, and his father stood with his arm around his mother as she told the judge that they have no home computer and that cellphones and iPads are password protected. They promised to ensure their son would have no access to the Internet. They declined comment after the hearing.

Loskarn was arrested Wednesday. He faces up to 10 years on the possession charge and a minimum of five and maximum of 20 years on the distribution charge.

Loskarn had served as chief of staff for the Republican senator for two years.