HARARE, Zimbabwe, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Congressman Mel Reynolds was arrested at his hotel in Zimbabwe Tuesday on suspicion of making pornographic videos.
According to the country's state-run newspaper, the Harare Herald, Reynolds was arrested for violating immigration laws and possessing pornographic materials. He also had outstanding bills totaling $24,500 from two different hotels.
A former aide, identified as Sunny, claimed Reynolds had produced pornographic material that he shot of a model and several other women.
“His travel documents were not up to date and he used to bring beautiful women at different times," Sunny claimed. "He employed five of us including a personal assistant and a driver."
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Another source said Reynolds had some 100 pornographic videos and 2,000 nude photos involving at least 10 women.
The source said Reynolds had entered the country on a 14-day visa on November 13, and had renewed it once, on December 10. He has since been in the country illegally.
The Herald, which said it arrived at the Bronte Garden Hotel when Reynolds was being escorted out, said he was being illegally detained.
"They denied me my passport so that I can contact the United States Embassy which is a violation of international laws,” Reynolds reportedly said.
Reynolds was convicted on 12 counts of statutory rape, obstruction of justice and solicitation of child pornography while he was a member of the U.S. Congress serving in Illinois' 2nd district from 1993 to 1995. He was imprisoned and convicted of additional financial and campaign fraud charges.
Former President Bill Clinton commuted his sentence to time served in 2001.
[Harare Herald] [CBS Chicago]
