Update: Ranzenberger chooses to remain in police custody during trial
Former Central Michigan University fixed-term faculty member Mark Ranzenberger appeared in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan for a detention hearing.
Ranzenberger's attorney, Jeffrey Rupp, said due to a change of plans, he chose to stay in detention at the Bay County Law Enforcement Center while his trial plays out. Magistrate Judge Patricia Morris told Ranzenberger because he was choosing to stay in police custody, he could have a detention hearing at a future time.
According to the U.S. District Attorney's Office, Ranzenberger was arrested Friday morning on charges of possession of child pornography. The investigation began after a student reported seeing pornographic thumbnail images projected on the overhead from Ranzenberger's computer during class.
Lt. Cameron Wassman of CMUPD said the investigation is now being handled by the U.S. Secret Service.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Doug Vloto of the U.S. Secret Service said the investigation is ongoing, and they are checking various leads, including whether or not Ranzenberger distributed any of the obscene material.
"We'll go where the evidence leads us," Vloto said.
