WACO (August 05, 2009)- A mistrial has been declared in the trial of the former Elm Mott Church of Christ minster charged with possession of child pornography.

Twice Wednesday the judge called for a recess in the trial of Henry Elbert Edgington, 65, of China Spring, and twice the defense objected.

Jurors could not come up with a unanimous verdict Wednesday causing the judge to declare a mistrial.

Edgington had testified he was on a mission to remove child pornography websites from the Internet when his 10-month-long crusade came to a halt in August 2007 with his arrest.

Jurors also heard testimony from the Waco police officers who investigated the case.

The prosecution presented more than eight hundred child pornography Websites found on Edgington’s computer.

Edgington’s attorney, Seth Sutton contends possession of child pornography is not illegal if used for a "bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial, law enforcement or legislative purpose."

The defense says Edgington, as a minister Elm Mott Church of Christ, openly preached against the evils of child pornography and took it upon himself to conduct research and gather evidence in an effort to shut down the illegal Websites.

Edgington testified Tuesday he was going to forward his evidence to U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco.

Edgington is charged with 9 counts of possession of child pornography; prosecutors initially charged Edgington with 10 counts but have since abandoned one count.

If convicted, Edgington, who is eligible for probation, faces up to 10 years in prison on each count.