He used to work with children, now a man arrested in connection with a string of "Peeping Tom" incidents faces child pornography charges.
Erik Paxton, a former Heritage YMCA employee, was charged Wednesday with two counts of aggravated possession of child pornography.
Paxton, of the 100 block of South Rosedale Avenue in Aurora, was charged last week with two counts of residential burglary, one count of criminal trespass to a residence, and three misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct after being arrested May 20 in connection with several “Peeping Tom” incidents near his home.
Police said a resident of nearby South Westlawn Avenue told them he saw man running from his backyard. The man left behind a step stool which would have allowed someone to look into the window of his underage daughter's bedroom.
Aurora police said Paxton’s home computer, scoured via a search warrant, contained images of child pornography. Police said they do not think Paxton knew the children in the photos through the YMCA or volunteer work he did at an Aurora homeless shelter.
YMCA officials said they've been in contact with authorities since his arrest. Paxton was hired by the Y in September 2011 after successful completion of a background check, said Sherrie Medina, the Vice-President of Communications for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.
Medina said no complaints were ever lodged against Paxton during his employment. Police said it does not appear Paxton had any inappropriate contact with children at either the YMCA or the shelter, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Paxton remained in jail after Wednesday’s hearing with a $760,000 bail and his next court date is set to be June 30, according to the Daily Herald. Should he post bond, he cannot possess a computer or have any contact with children.
