Robert Steven Wright, who stands accused of the murder of Renée Sweeney 20 years ago, now faces one charge of possessing child pornography.
Wright is already scheduled to have a three-day hearing Feb. 19-21 to determine whether he will receive bail as he awaits trial for first-degree murder. His bail hearing for the child porn charges will take place Feb. 22 at 10 a.m.
After news of the additional charge emerged Friday, his lawyers, Berk Keaney and Michael J. Venturi, issued a statement that said when Wright was arrested, police found no images or videos in his residence connected to the new charges.
"This charge is based on a single typed document," the release said. "Police have decided to lay this charge on the eve of his bail hearing. We have no doubt this charge will be withdrawn."
A publication ban has been imposed on the case.
Wright is currently being held at Sudbury Jail after being arrested Dec. 11.
He was arrested at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, where he worked as a laboratory technician.
