Former Aide to Sen. Lamar Alexander Found Dead Following Child Porn Charges

Jesse Ryan Loskarn believed to have killed himself

Jesse Ryan Loskarn, a one-time star staffer who was the former top aide to Tennessee Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander, was found dead Thursday afternoon following charges he possessed and distributed child pornography, according to three people familiar with the matter. Loskarn, 35, is believed to have committed suicide.

Loskarn's sharp and sudden downfall stunned Capitol Hill, given his reputation as a well-regarded and savvy operative who was close to GOP senators, powerful political aides and members of the media. He was arrested last month by U.S. Postal Service investigators on charges that he possessed and distributed child pornography following a raid by federal agents on his home.