About Bob McKee

Robert A. McKee (R-Hagerstown), who represented Washington County in the House of Delegates (District 2A) for 13 years, resigned Friday after word spread that authorities raided his home in search of child pornography.

In a letter faxed Friday to the Hagerstown-based The Herald-Mail, McKee wrote, “On January 31, 2008, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at my residence in Hagerstown. They seized my personal computer and other items, including images that are available on the Internet.”

“For me, this is deeply embarrassing,” McKee continued. “It reflects poorly on my service to the community as a state delegate and as executive director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Washington County. Accordingly, I am resigning today from both positions.”

The sheriff’s office revealed that several computers, along with 30 videotapes and printed material were seized from the home. McKee also said he has “entered treatment.” 

For McKee, the embarrassing incident has brought an end to his political career. The delegate was first elected to his position in 1994, defeating Richard E. Roulette with 64% of the vote. After running unopposed in 1998, McKee defeated Peter E. Perini, Sr. in the 2002 election, winning nearly 75% of the vote. He was reelected in 2006, again running unopposed.  

The allegations that led to McKee’s resignation, which will become official this evening, were particularly disturbing considering his vast association with several children’s groups and other organizations.

As was evident from his resignation letter, McKee served as executive director of the Washington County Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. His association with the group spanned nearly three decades.

According to his official General Assembly biography, McKee has served on staff for the Maryland District 1 Little League Baseball organization from 1986 to the present and as Vice-President of the Hagerstown Junior Basketball League from 1987-1989. He was also a member of the Washington County Foster Care Review Board from 1989-1995.

In addition, McKee served as Secretary for the Parent and Child Center Advisory Committee from 1985-1988 and in leadership positions for the First Christian Church.

He also served as Chaplain for the Hagerstown Jaycees from 1978-1984 and as Treasurer of the Washington County Mental Health Association from 1980-1987.

Like many disgraced politicians who find themselves in McKee’s position, the delegate took a firm stance against sexual predators during his three-plus terms in office.

In the current session, McKee is the co-sponsor of a bill that would prohibit child sex offenders from receiving a sentence reduction due to good behavior while behind bars.

Previously, he co-sponsored a bill calling for life imprisonment for those convicted of child abuse resulting in the death of a child. He has also asked that convicted sex offenders be given extended monitoring.

The Washington County Republican Central Committee will recommend a replacement to fill McKee’s seat. The committee is accepting applications until Thursday.

Repeated phone and e-mail messages left with members of the central committee were not returned, while McKee’s legislative office is not accepting voice messages.