Former US congressman jailed in Zimbabwe on visa, porn charges

Former U.S. Rep. Melvin Reynolds remains in a Zimbabwe jail after a court hearing on charges of violating immigration and censorship laws, officials say. Reynolds did not enter a plea to the charges after his attorney asked the judge for more time to consult with his client, the Zimbabwe Daily News reported Wednesday. Prosecutors allege Reynolds, 62, overstayed his visa after entering Zimbabwe in November on a two-week business visa, which was later extended until Dec. 10. He was arrested Monday at a Harare hotel. Officials said Reynolds had unpaid bills of $24,500 from his stay at that hotel and a second one, Nehanda Radio reported. State media reported more than 100 pornographic videos and 2,000 nude pictures of at least 10 women, some of them famous models, were found in Reynold's possession. Reynolds resigned his Illinois congressional seat in 1995 after being convicted of 12 counts of sexual assault, obstruction of justice and solicitation of child pornography.