Former tanning salon owner pleads innocent to eight counts of child pornography

Springfield, MO. - Brett Patrick Kent, a former tanning salon owner charged with eight counts of child pornography, emtered a plea of not guilty in Federal court today. Kent stands acccused of videotaping female customers at his 360 Degree tanning salon without their knowledge or consent. Kent allegedly taped the women while they undressed or were nude while in a tanning bed.

The charges against Kent include six counts of prodicing child pornography and two counts of possessing child pornography. According to authorities, some of the victims were minors when the offenses occurred.

In addition to the Federal charges, Kent also faces 22 counts of violation of privacy in Greene County Circuit Court.

Kent was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona on June 23, 2007 and extradited back to Missouri. Kent is being represented by criminal attorney Dee Wampler.