Whitlow pleads not guilty to child pornography charges

    Bill Whitlow, 53, of Imperial pleaded not guilty to two Class 2 IIA felony charges of possession of child pornography in Chase County District Court earlier this month.
    Whitlow waived his right to his presence at the arraignment in district court and the not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
    A status hearing on the case is set for June 18.
Conflict of interest
    District Judge David W. Urbom recused himself from the case, which has now been assigned to District Judge Richard A. Birch.
    In his recusal order, Judge Urbom said he had a conflict of interest because of his long term relationship with Whitlow.
    Whitlow previously served as a Chase County Sheriff’s deputy.