CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A University of Cincinnati professor has been arrested on child porn charges. According to court papers, Holt Parker told agents that he's collected hundreds of videos and images of child pornography. He told them he traded child porn every day. Parker answered to charges in court on March 16. A federal judge ordered him held on $250,000 bond.
The FBI says agents arrested Parker on charges of distribution and receipt of child pornography in Clifton on March 15. He's also charged with "destruction of property to prevent seizure", for allegedly trying to destroy a thumb drive as agents were entering his home. They say he told them he'd recently downloaded thousands of files.
According to court documents, Yahoo reported that two child pornography files were emailed to another address to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children back in July of 2015. Yahoo also reported that multiple chat messages were observed, sent from the same email address, discussing trading images and videos with other users.
WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT
READ FULL FBI COMPLAINT: WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT
During their investigation, federal agents say they traced the IP address to Parker at his Cincinnati address. They searched his home on March 15. He allegedly told them he started trading child porn online five or six years ago.
When the FBI came to his home, they say Parker apologized to his wife for his behavior and for ruining their lives, according to court papers. He allegedly told them he'd planned to commit suicide if he was caught.
According to UC's website, Parker is a Professor of Classics. UC Vice President Gregory Vehr released the following statement:
"The University of Cincinnati has learned today that Holt N. Parker, a professor in Classics, has been arrested on child pornography charges. The University takes these charges very seriously and is cooperating fully with authorities. Per University policy, Parker has been suspended from his position, barred from University property, and is to have no contact with students."
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