Preschool Teacher Faces Child-Porn Charges
(STMW) -- A 34-year-old west suburban man who was recently hired as a preschool teacher is facing child pornography charges.
Richard Gertler of Oak Park is charged with dissemination of child pornography and possession of child pornography, both felonies, according to a statement from the Cook County State's Attorney's office.
According to prosecutors, Berwyn police began investigating Gertler after they found out he was making child pornography available for download via a file sharing program.
A search warrant executed at his home found more than 300 images of child pornography on a laptop computer.
Additionally, 25 printed photographs containing child pornography were recovered from his home, prosecutors allege.
A spokesman for the state's attorney's office said there is no evidence that anyone in his care was a victim.
Prosecutors would not identify the name or location of the preschool, but a LinkedIn profile lists Gertler as the owner of Daddy Day Care in Oak Park. No one answered the phone at Daddy Day Care on Thursday afternoon.
Judge Carol Kipperman set bond at $250,000 for Gertler on Thursday. He is next scheduled to appear in court June 25.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)