South Lake Tahoe fire captain facing child pornography charges resigns

Mark Wygant, the South Lake Tahoe Fire Captain who is facing federal charges of possessing child pornography, resigned Wednesday according to City officials.

On January 29, 2015, Wygant was arrested following a federal investigation into his receiving child pornography. He was placed on paid administrative leave at the time but with his resignation he terminates the paid status.

Immediately following Wygant’s arrest, the City initiated its required independent investigation under the Firefighter’s Procedural Bill of Rights, AB 220, and notified Mr. Wygant’s attorney of the same.

Since the arrest, Wygant admitted he placed a cellphone camera in a bathroom to record a nude minor victim and that he used spy cameras to record other videos. An affidavit filed by FBI special agent Glenn G. Norling detailed the evidence they recovered in the investigation.

Wygant’s attorney was notified that the City’s internal investigation was complete on Tuesday, February 3. Following further conversations, Wygant elected to resign.

City officials said his resignation does not involve any financial settlement from the City.

Mr. Wygant remains in federal custody. He is scheduled for preliminary examination on Feb. 13, unless he is indicted earlier, which would change the appearance to arraignment, said Lauren Horwood, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.