Bill Carns, former chairman of the Nye County Republican Central Committee, was arrested on Saturday, Jan. 31. He faces five charges, including creating or distributing child pornography, using the internet to control explicit images of someone under the age of 16, as well as gun-related charges, including possessing a sawed-off shotgun, possession of a dangerous weapon, and having a firearm without a serial number. "I've known him for about four years, and it's devastating," said Pahrump resident Edward Bevilacqua. "These are horrific allegations." "I can't believe the sheriff would do something to this gravity without evidence, without going through the procedures, and I think the charges speak for themselves," said Leo Blundo, current chairman of the Nye County Republican Party.