Padonia Park Club President Arrested On Child Porn Charges
COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (WJZ)—- There's disbelief and concern from members of the Padonia Park Club in Cockeysville. Its president and CEO was arrested on child pornography charges.
Mary Bubala reports the investigation involves Baltimore County Police and the FBI.
The investigation started in January when Baltimore County Police tracked an IP address where child pornography was being downloaded. At the same time, the FBI was tracking an IP address that led them to the Padonia Park Club.
At Padonia Park Club Pool, summer fun unfolds as news spreads among parents that its president and CEO, 56-year-old Ira "Fred" Rigger Jr., is accused in a child pornography case.
Rigger is charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.
"Back in March of this year, [we] executed a search and seizure warrant at his residence and recovered two laptop computers. On those laptops and other devices they found numerous items of child pornography," said Lt. Rob McCullough, Baltimore County Police.
Police say Rigger often brought one of these laptops to the Padonia Park Club with him. He admitted to viewing and downloading child pornography for more than five years. He viewed and downloaded images of girls from as young as infants through teenagers.
Public records also show Rigger is the owner of the child care facility at the Padonia Park Club.
"I just withdrew my child and she hasn't started yet," said Gabby Felton, parent. "She was going to start in August."
Felton says she couldn't risk her daughter's safety.
"She was coming for daycare and camp starting in August," Felton said. "There's no way."
Police say there's no evidence Rigger had inappropriate contact with children at the facility.
"The child pornography was actually downloaded from the Internet," Lt. McCullough said. "There's no indication that anything was done at the pool or the business."
The FBI investigation into Rigger is still active. He posted $250,000 bail and was released.
Rigger is scheduled for a preliminary hearing July 15. If convicted, he could face five to 20 years in prison.
