Actor gets 5 years for possession of child porn

A local community theater actor who devoted himself to helping fledging youth performers was ordered to serve five years in federal prison for possessing child pornography on his computer.

Calling it a "vile and despicable crime," U.S. District Judge David Ezra imposed the term on Dawe Glover, 48, yesterday, saying five years with no probation was a substantial term that reflected the seriousness of the offense but was no more than necessary, based on the circumstances of the case.

He noted there was no evidence Glover had behaved inappropriately with children.

Glover, a well-known Elvis impersonator, pleaded guilty Jan. 11 to one count of possessing child pornography.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Tong said investigators discovered 997 images and six videos of children, many under 12, who were forced to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The images included the use of animals and restraints, he said.

Defense attorney Sam King Jr. said Glover received numerous letters of support, including from children who are now adults and have gone on to pursue performing arts on the mainland.

There is no evidence that he did anything with children "except love and support them," King said.

Glover apparently got into a "very tough family situation" and financial straits and started drinking. Because of the alcohol and its effects, Glover's love for children "got twisted into this downloading," he said.

Glover, on his own, sought sex-offender treatment and was discharged after successfully completing a program, and has strong family support from his family, including his wife, daughter and friends, King said.

Glover, who has been free on bail, apologized yesterday to everyone whom he hurt because of his actions.

He and his wife have spent 27 years working with and for children, and he is saddened that their work in the community could be tainted because of his actions, he said.

Tong noted that while Glover apologized to everyone in the courtroom and those who suffered because of his conduct, he did not express remorse for exploiting children.

Each time Glover went online and downloaded images of children being violated, he victimized the children and contributed to an industry that exploits them, Tong said.