FORT WORTH, Texas — A former theology professor at the Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University has been federally charged by the Justice Department after police reportedly found pornographic images of toddlers on his work computer, authorities said.
The suspect, 62-year-old Charles Bellinger, was fired from the school last week after police reportedly found the images while searching his office, according to officials.
A news release from the Department of Justice says the investigation began after IT staff at the university reported finding pornographic images with files names, which included "infant" and "toddler," on Bellinger's work computer.
Investigators searched a hard drive and an SD card from Bellinger's office and reportedly found multiple sexually explicit images of pre-pubescent minors, officials said.
One agent testified at a detention hearing Thursday that police seized several encrypted devices from a locked safe in Bellinger's office, officials said. A forensic investigation of the devices is ongoing.
Bellinger faces up to 20 years in federal prison if he's convicted.
A TCU spokesperson told WFAA via email that Bellinger was not an employee of the university since the divinity school is a separate unit, despite the office's location on the campus.
Brite Divinity School sent WFAA the following statement regarding Bellinger:
"The behavior outlined in the criminal complaint against Charles Bellinger, a former faculty member, is repugnant and the antithesis of our values and mission. When Brite administration was made aware of these allegations, we immediately initiated our own investigation, cooperated with law enforcement, shut down his access to school technology, personnel, and facilities, and placed him on immediate administrative leave before terminating his employment shortly thereafter. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and are grateful for their service in protecting children from abuse of any kind. We keep in our prayers all of those hurt by this horrific situation, especially the children."
