Children organization vice president arrested over child porn

The vice president of an Illinois young people’s charity faces multiple child pornography charges after being arrested on Wednesday.

The accused, Erich Kroll, 49, is vice president of the Naperville-based KidsMatter human services non-profit organization as well as a senior business banker, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, based in Wheaton, Illinois, said in a press release.

Kroll, of the 18W000 block of Holly Drive in unincorporated DuPage County, is being held on a $150,000 bond following a bond hearing Wednesday afternoon.

KidsMatter focuses on preventative strategies to ensure that young people avoid destructive behavior, according to its website.

“Our network of partners helps us to connect parents committed to providing non-judgmental opportunities to share struggles, provide support, and ultimately strengthen the fabric of our families and community, to the resources they need,” it says on its website.

“We believe in building resilient kids and families who say NO to destructive behaviors and YES to endless possibilities.”

Authorities were able to gather enough evidence online to execute a search warrant at Kroll’s residence before he was arrested.

“Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at Kroll’s residence on Wednesday following an internet investigation into the possession and distribution of child pornography files,” the press statement said.

“A forensic examination [of] Kroll’s digital electronics revealed the presence of child pornography files.”

Sheriff James Mendrick said on Wednesday that the police are committed to protecting children from potential predators.

“I’m so thankful that we have our Digital Forensic Investigation Unit out there working cases like this and getting these predators off the street.

“Crimes against children are crimes against our future and that will be not be tolerated in DuPage County.”

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said the allegations against Kroll were very disturbing. “What I find particularly troubling about these allegations is the fact that Mr. Kroll currently serves as Vice President of the Board for KidsMatter,” he said.

“I would like to stress however, that the allegations against Mr. Kroll are in no way affiliated with KidsMatter.

“I thank DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and his office for their work not only in this case, but for their ongoing efforts to protect our children from sexual predators.

“I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Denis Cahill and Helen Kapas for their work in preparing a strong case against this defendant,” Berlin added.

The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office statement closed by reminding the public that the charges were not proof of a defendant’s guilt. “A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” it said.

Kroll’s next court date is scheduled for 9 a.m. on June 18.

Newsweek has contacted KidsMatter and the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office for comment.