Ex-Metro Driver, Woman Charged With Child Porn

A Kenmore man - a former Metro Bus Driver of the Year - was charged yesterday with child molestation and sexual exploitation of minors.

Brian Cordnar Thompson, 58, is accused of using his position as a Metro trolley-car operator along the waterfront to befriend homeless and troubled teenagers, provide them food and shelter, then urge them to participate in the making of pornographic videos - which he allegedly sold overseas for as much as $1,000.

Thompson, accused of having sex with several juvenile girls in the movies, was charged with three counts of child molestation and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. He is being held at the King County Jail.

A second defendant, Cassandra Browning, 27, of Des Moines, has been charged with one count of child molestation and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Browning allegedly recruited several juveniles to participate in the videos and had sexual contact with a 13-year-old victim, according to court documents. She is being held at the King County Jail.

Both Browning and Thompson are to be arraigned Nov. 21. Cash-only bail of $500,000 has been requested.

According to court documents, on Oct. 18, Browning allegedly approached a 29-year-old woman and asked her whether she was interested in making a pornographic movie for $100.

Browning, who allegedly received $50 for every female she recruited, reportedly told the woman she would have to participate in a rape scene. She also allegedly asked her whether she'd be willing to have sex with a 14-year-old.

The 29-year-old woman then was driven by Browning to the Metro Trolley Station at Alaskan Way and Broad Street, where she met Thompson, who provided her with details about the pornographic movie he planned to make, according to court documents.

When the 29-year-old woman told Browning she didn't want to participate because she was afraid someone locally might see her, she was allegedly told that the movies are sent overseas.

Meanwhile, several teenagers - ages 13, 15 and 15 - were given small amounts of cash to participate in the making of several pornographic movies, according to court documents.

Thompson is alleged to have had sexual contact with all three juveniles.

Ronald K. Fitten's phone message number is 206-464-3251. His e-mail address is: ronf-new@seatimes.com