An Ohio University employee recently was indicted by an Athens County Grand Jury for charges involving child pornography.
Christopher G. Allen, 34, of 36115 St. Rt. 143, Pomeroy, was charged with one count of pandering obscenity involving a minor, according to court records. Pandering obscenity involving a minor is a fourth degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine, said C. David Warren, Athens County prosecuting attorney.
The charges stem from a Dec. 18 incident in which Allen allegedly downloaded and viewed child pornography while using an OU server, Warren said.
Allen is employed in facilities management at OU in the custodial services department. He works in custodial area B, which encompasses buildings including Scripps, Chubb, Bentley, Copeland and Cutler Halls, according to the custodial services Web site (http://www.facilities.ohiou.edu).
The OU Police Department started its investigation on Allen on Dec. 18, said OUPD Chief Tony Camechis. They turned over the results of the investigation Jan. 16 to the Athens County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
As a result of the indictment, OU placed Allen on paid administrative leave.
He was indicted for pandering obscenity
said Nikki Dioguardi, associate director of legal affairs at OU. He was placed on leave the day the indictment was delivered -once we knew we put him on leave.
Allen's indictment was filed Jan. 29, and he was served Feb. 2, according to court records.
As of yesterday, however, Allen's payroll status was 'active assignment,' which is the normal status for OU employees.
As of now he is still active assignment
said Terri Arnold, bi-weekly payroll supervisor. If it's going to say something else
HR would put it in there. That does not show yet.
Allen's arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 18 before Athens County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Ward.
Allen and his lawyer, Todd L. Grace of Grace and McGee, 19 1/2 S. Court St., could not be reached for comment.
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Rob Chalifoux
