During the past several days, attorneys in the case jockeyed during pretrial hearings about encrypted computer files the FBI had seized from Pearson's home. Authorities said they wanted access to the files, some of which remain encrypted, because they believe they could contain additional pornographic material.

Kent Sprotbery, Pearson's attorney, said his client denies that any of the secure files contain pornography. Pearson has agreed to submit to an FBI polygraph examination, in which he could be asked questions about the encrypted files and other issues, before his sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 10 in Albany.

"This was a decision made not lightly by Mr. Pearson because he was facing almost with certainty a life-in-prison sentence if he were convicted at trial," Sprotbery said. "He chose the option of pleading guilty because he wanted to spend at least four more months with his father, who will in all likelihood be deceased by the time he gets out."

Pearson will remain free on $100,000 bail until his sentencing. He was jailed briefly Tuesday after refusing a judge's order to disclose a password for some of his encrypted computer files. Pearson was subsequently released from custody after pleading guilty.

The investigation broke in 2003 when Pearson's upscale Orchard Park Drive home was raided by the Niskayuna Police Department, acting on a tip from a teenager. Authorities said they found a makeshift movie studio in Pearson's basement where he made pornographic films that starred himself, two teenage girls and at least one teenage boy.

Pearson's wife, a physician, has filed for divorce as a result of his arrest and authorities said she had no idea what allegedly had been unfolding in the home. They have three children but authorities said there are no allegations they had been abused.

He was initially arrested on state charges in June 2003, but those charges, including rape, sodomy and using a child for a sexual performance, were dropped in favor of a federal indictment after Pearson rejected a plea offer from Schenectady County prosecutors.

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