Zachary Elisha Robertson, 42, of Bellingham, was taken into custody on March 10 on two felony counts of possession of child pornography.
Zachary Elisha Robertson, 42, of Bellingham, was taken into custody on March 10 on two felony counts of possession of child pornography. Investigators located approximately 25 nude images of prepubescent and pubescent girls on his laptop upon the execution of a search warrant. He later allegedly confessed to downloading nude images of girls between the ages of 5 and 7 years old, according to court documents.
Robertson, a nudist and homesteader, was reported to authorities by his wife, who allegedly walked in on Robertson pleasuring himself to the images on his laptop on March 6. Police obtained a search warrant and arrested Robertson at his home days later. He was quickly released from jail on $2,500 bail, records show.
The defendant is the author and illustrator of the children's book Norma Normal, which centers on a little girl who "lives naked" in the outdoors. Roberston alleged to investigators that the pornographic images of kids on his laptop served as references for his 2020 book; however, detectives rejected his claim, according to a probable cause affidavit.
According to online records, Robertson is a local community activist who organizes the annual World Naked Bike Ride for the Bellingham chapter. He is also the founder of Cascadia Community Land Trust (CCLT), a nonprofit organization that develops egalitarian eco-communities in the state.
Event flyer for Bellingham's annual Naked Bike Ride
Community members defended Robertson to the PNW Daily when asked for comment. Joana McNerthy, a CCLT board member, told the paper that she believes Robertson is innocent and "justice will prevail" when he is "proven not guilty."
"I was not aware of any concerning behavior of his, and to date, I am still not aware of any concerning behavior of his," said McNerthney, who has known Robertson for 12 years. "He is a nudist, and a respectful one."
Bellingham is a progressive stronghold located near the US-Canada border in northern Washington.
Robertson pleaded not guilty during his initial arraignment. He is scheduled to appear back in court later this month.
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