(MAYWOOD) A west suburban man who was recently hired as a preschool teacher is facing child pornography charges.
Richard Gertler, 34, 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.
Judge Carol Kipperman set bond at $250,000 for Gertler on Thursday. He is next scheduled to appear in court June 25.
