Former University of Idaho assistant to the president and alumnus with extensive connections to the university was charged with possession of sexually exploitative material Thursday.
Martin “Marty” Peterson, 76, was arrested in Boise and taken to the Ada County Jail on Thursday, according to a press release from Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s office, as reported in the Idaho Statesman. The investigation leading to Peterson’s arrest was done by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit with assistance from the Boise Police Department and Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, according to the release.
University of Idaho Director of Communications Jodi Walker declined to comment. James A. and Louise McClure Center Communications Manager Christi Stone could not immediately be reached for comment.
Peterson has extensive history with the university. The Lewiston native graduated with his degree in communications from UI in 1968, according to an article from the Lewiston Tribune. He also served as assistant to seven UI presidents over a 21-year period, according to the biography for the UI Silver and Gold Award, an accolade awarded to distinguished university alumni. Peterson was one of the 2018 award recipients.
Peterson served as UI McClure Center for Public Policy director and was a member on the board for the school of Journalism and Mass Media.
He also served on the board of the University of Idaho Alumni Association from 1991 to 1994.
The Attorney General’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children to contact local police or call the ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-8435678.
The Argonaut will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Meredith Spelbring can be reached at [email protected]