A Wheaton College employee has been charged with possessing child pornography.
Benjamin Felker, 28, was charged with four felony counts of possession of child pornography, according to a statement from the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.
Wheaton police identified Felker’s home in the 1000 block of Briarbrook Drive in Wheaton as possibly engaging in child pornography, according to prosecutors.
Detectives executed a search warrant at Felker’s home Tuesday evening and found at least four videos and multiple images depicting child pornography, prosecutors said.
Felker, who was home during the search, was taken into custody, according to the statement. He is an employee of Wheaton College.
“Wheaton College is disturbed to learn of these troubling charges, and will continue to cooperate fully with the investigating authorities,” Wheaton College President Philip Ryken said in the statement.
“As a Christian community, Wheaton College fundamentally opposes the production and use of pornography, especially child pornography, which by its very nature exploits and victimizes the most vulnerable. Mr. Felker is on unpaid leave and his access to campus has been revoked,” Ryken said.
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Judge Richard Russo ordered Felker held on a $250,000 bond in court Wednesday.
“The charges against Mr. Felker are absolutely disgusting and will be met with the full force of the law,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in the statement.
“I would like to clarify that these charges are in no way connected with Mr. Felker’s association with Wheaton College. Authorities at the college have been extremely cooperative and helpful and for that I thank them,” Berlin said.
