FORT WORTH, Texas — A former professor at Brite Divinity School on TCU's campus was arrested Wednesday and faces a charge of possession of child pornography, according to Fort Worth police.
Charles Bellinger, 62, was arrested on Oct. 2 after Fort Worth police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit detectives, TCU police officers and United States Secret Service special agents served a search warrant at Bellinger’s house in Arlington and at his office on the TCU campus.
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."
Bellinger was charged with possession of child pornography and booked into the Tarrant County Jail, records showed.
Bellinger did not show up in Tarrant County Jail logs Friday afternoon. WFAA has reached out to see if he posted bail and for how much, if so.
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