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Snapchat photo leads to arrest of Mount Prospect man

A pornographic Snapchat photo has led to charges against a Mount Prospect man who worked as a Northwestern University Police Department lieutenant, authorities said.

Bail was set at $100,000 Wednesday for Ronald Godby, 53, of the 700 block of S. I Oka Ave., Mount Prospect. He is facing felony charges of manufacturing and possessing child pornography as well as grooming.

Godby, who runs a photography studio out of his home, was arrested Monday after police received information about inappropriate pictures "of a pornographic nature" on Snapchat, according to Mount Prospect police. A 17-year old girl, who provided additional information about the Snapchat photo, told police that Godby took inappropriate photographs of her at his residence.

Investigators worked with the Cook County State's Attorney's Internet Crimes Against Children task force and executed search warrants at Godby's Mount Prospect home, his vehicles and his office at Northwestern University. Several computers, hard drives and professional cameras were recovered.

On Godby's hard drives, investigators found digital images of a pornographic nature of the girl taken about four years ago when she was 13 years old, police said.

The investigation has not revealed any evidence that these images were ever shared, police said.

On his Facebook page, Ron Godby Photos, there are dozens of pictures of various Prospect High School teams. Godby received a 2013 Distinguished Service Award from Northwest Suburban High School District 214.

Jennifer Delgado, a District 214 spokeswoman, said Godby took the photos at public events and practices and that he had not been hired by the district.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call police at (847) 870-5656.

Godby's bond includes several conditions, including that he cannot have contact with anyone under the age of 18 outside of his immediate family and the surrender of all firearms. He is prohibited from using the Internet and cellphones.

Northwestern University would not say how long Godby had worked there, only that he is a lieutenant in the investigations division. He's been placed on administrative leave and is banned from entering the Northwestern University campuses, school officials said.

Godby's next court date is Feb. 26 in Rolling Meadows.

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