A Hilliard parent and school volunteer faced a child pornography charge Tuesday.
Investigators said that someone discovered William Blackhall, a parent volunteer with Hilliard Schools since 2004, had graphic images and videos while he was on a business trip in California.
Blackhall recently was vice president of the Hilliard Music Boosters, representing Hilliard Darby High School. His relationship with the school ended Aug. 2, when the district learned of his arrest in California.
“In July of 2012, the defendant was visiting Orange County from Ohio on a business trip for approximately one week. While he was here a coworker discovered child pornography on the defendant's computer and reported it to law enforcement,” Farrah Emami of the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Blackhall was arrested and charged with felony possession of child pornography.
“The defendant is accused of being in possession of more than 1000 images of graphic pictures and videos of child pornography, including young boys engaged in sex acts with other young boys,” Emami said.
Hilliard City Schools said that both of Blackhall's volunteer roles with the district required criminal background checks. A spokesperson said that he passed background checks in 2004 and most recently in 2011.
Blackhall was freed on $20,000 bond, but was prohibited from setting foot on school property.
Blackhall is due back in Orange County court on Oct. 12. If convicted, he faces up to 3 years in prison.
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