A Central Michigan University professor has admitted to child pornography charges after he was caught using porn material in a university-provided computer.

As per the report by university's student publication Central Michigan Life, William Merrill, a tenured professor of Central Michigan University's College of Education and Human Services, has been charged with a four-count felony: one count of possession of sexually abusive material, one count of distributing or promoting child sexually abusive activity and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, according to court records.

He was also charged with a misdemeanor charge of possessing a switchblade.

Interim Associate Vice President of Communications Sherry Knight said an investigation into Merrill began Monday when officials received a tip from someone in the Office of Information and Technology shortly after 9 a.m., who observed child pornography on a university computer being used by the professor.

When Merrill could not access the Internet through the system, the IT guy who was called to fix the system found three child pornography videos.

After Merrill admitted to having downloaded the videos, authorities issued a search warrant, under which 30 CDs were found in his home and office, including one disc that had more than 10,000 files with most appearing to be pictures of child sexually abusive activity, reports CML.

"We take this matter very seriously and have strict policies against this kind of conduct," Knight said. "Public safety is an absolute priority at CMU. From the astute employees who discovered and reported the materials immediately, to the police who acted swiftly and continue to investigate this matter, our goal is to ensure the safety of our campus community and beyond."

According to his bio on the university website, Merrill specializes in 'censorship and the Internet, impact of children on advertising in society, integration of the Internet into instruction to enhance teaching and learning, and using technology to enhance teaching and learning.'

He is currently under suspension until the criminal investigation's outcome, but will be paid till the university finishes reviewing the case.

Merrill taught four classes - two undergraduate and two graduate - before his suspension.

SOURCE: CENTRAL MICHIGAN LIFE