Former Mrs. Orange County pleads not guilty to child pornography charges

A former Mrs. Orange County pleaded not guilty Friday to child pornography charges.

Meghan Breanna Alt — a 25-year-old Irvine resident who won the competition in 2014 and went on to contend for the Mrs. California title — faces one felony count of possession and control of child pornography, three felony counts of a lewd act on a child under age 14 and a sentencing enhancement of substantial sexual conduct with a child.

Prosecutors contend that Alt took sexually explicit photos of a 4-year-old female relative and used her cellphone to distribute the pictures in exchange for money and gifts.

During a hearing Friday in Orange County Superior Court, Alt answered brief procedural questions.

Her lawyer entered the not-guilty plea before ushering Alt out of the building away from TV cameras.

Alt declined to comment about the allegations as she walked away.

If convicted, Alt could be sentenced to 14 years and eight months in prison. She is free on $100,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court again in January.

Investigators believe one of the people who received child pornography from Alt was a Marine stationed in Southern California. It is unclear whether he is facing charges.

Law enforcement arrested Alt this month in San Diego after the Naval Criminal Investigative Service learned of the photos, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators also allege that Alt used online ads to find customers who paid her for sex, often with her children present.

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Dobruck writes for Times Community News