UPDATE: Police conclude child pornography investigation
On Monday, Central Michigan University police department finished its investigation into materials that fit the definition of child pornography found on a faculty member's computer last month.
Lt. Cameron Wassman said police would decide in conjunction with the County Prosecutor and federal prosecutors whether the case would be handled under state or federal law.
A computer removed from former journalism faculty member Mark Ranzenberger's office containted electronic media which fits the definition of child pornography. Police did not confirm or deny that Ranzenberger was the suspect in the investigation, but did say the investigation has never involved multiple suspects.
The investigation was prompted by a tip to police from Faculty Personnel Services, who was also investigating Ranzenberger until his March 21 resignation. FPS did not confirm the investigations were related.
According to the Michigan Penal Code, child pornography appears to include a child engaged in sexually-explicit conduct. This can include photos, digital or computer-generated images, drawings, video or animations, and a wide variety of other visual and audio mediums.
Producing, knowingly possessing, distributing or receiving child pornography is illegal.
Originally this story said the investigation would be forwarded to the County Prosecutor's office. It has been corrected to reflect that police have yet to decide whether to send the case to state or federal court.
