Vice president of Naperville nonprofit Kidsmatter faces child pornography charges
WHEATON, Ill. (CBS) -- The vice president of the Naperville-based KidsMatter human services organization has been charged with multiple counts of child pornography.
Erich Kroll, 49, of unincorporated DuPage County near Darien, has been ordered held on $150,000 bond.
DuPage County Sheriff's officers executed a search warrant at Kroll's house on Wednesday after an investigation into the possession and distribution of child pornography files over the internet, according to the Sheriff's office.
Child pornography was found on Kroll's digital electronics during a forensic examination, the Sheriff's office said.
"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," DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick said in a news release. "Crimes against children are crimes against our future and that will not be tolerated in DuPage County."
Kroll is a senior business banker is also the vice president of KidsMatter – though authorities emphasized that these charges are not related to his work with he nonprofit.
"The allegations against Mr. Kroll are very disturbing," DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said in the release. "What I find particularly troubling about these allegations is the fact that Mr. Kroll currently serves as Vice President of the Board for KidsMatter. I would like to stress however, that the allegations against Mr. Kroll are in no way affiliated with KidsMatter."
UPDATE: On Thursday night, KidsMatter Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Nina Menis released this statement:
"The leadership of KidsMatter would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unflinching dedication to serving youth and families across communities in DuPage and Will counties and to also make clear the record on recent events surrounding a former volunteer for our board of trustees.
"On Tuesday, Erich Kroll, a volunteer who was serving as vice president of the fundraising board, was arrested on child pornography charges by DuPage County authorities. In the news release announcing his arrest, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin stated that the allegations against Mr. Kroll were in no way affiliated with KidsMatter.
"Mr. Kroll was not involved in any of the programming that KidsMatter and its partners provide to youth and families. His role was limited to fundraising and strategy.
"The KidsMatter board met immediately Wednesday and voted to remove Mr. Kroll as a board member and fundraiser - roles that were volunteer positions working with other adults.
"Child protection practices are in place both at KidsMatter and at our partners, and they apply to everyone who works with youth in our programs.
Nevertheless, we are going to take this opportunity to review and, if ever necessary, strengthen our practices around protecting the youth we serve. Nothing is more important to us.
"As a 501(c)3 organization under the guidance of civic, educational, and government leaders, KidsMatter has for two decades pursued its mission of helping young people build positive values, healthy relationships, and greater self-esteem. We work collaboratively with our partners and other organizations throughout Will and DuPage counties, including schools, public safety agencies, faith-based communities, and local businesses.
"We want to thank our many partners and supporters who share our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, health, and development of youth. We pledge to continue to earn your trust and to serve our communities in the most caring, effective, and transparent approach we can provide."