FORT WORTH, Texas (CNN) -- A former top official of the Boy Scouts of America pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography, including pictures of boys younger than 12.
Douglas S. Smith Jr., 61, entered the plea before a federal judge in Fort Worth, acknowledging he "knowingly received or distributed an image of child pornography."
Smith didn't speak during the 45-minute hearing, other than an occasional "yes, sir" or "no, sir" when the judge asked him questions.
As part of the plea, he will face a minimum of five years in prison and a possible maximum sentence of no more than 20 years. He also could be fined up to $250,000.
A sentencing date was set for July 12. Smith will be free on bond until then.
Bret Helmer, an assistant U.S. attorney, said there was no evidence Smith molested any children. He said Smith has been contrite and wants "to get this behind him."
"Mr. Smith has been forthright," Helmer said. "He is willing to accept responsibility as he did today."
Nearly 40-year Scout career
Smith retired from the Boy Scouts in February following a 39-year career with the youth organization -- which is based in suburban Dallas. He had been placed on administrative leave when the group learned he was under criminal investigation, and he stepped down soon afterward, Boy Scouts of America spokesman Greg Shields said before the plea deal.
"As a professional Scouter, he was in more administrative positions -- most recently [director of programming] -- and not in direct contact with the youth," Shields said.
Shields said the Boy Scouts organization is "shocked and dismayed" by Smith's arrest, but the group has cooperated with investigators in the case.
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