Former clown accused of child sex crimes dies

SPRINGFIELD -- A former minister, police officer and clown who was accused of child sex crimes has died while behind bars.

Amon Paul Carlock of Springfield died Friday at St. John's Hospital after being transported earlier in the morning from the Sangamon County Jail.

The U.S. Marshal's office says there was no indication that Carlock harmed himself and that he apparently died from an existing medical condition.

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Carlock was arrested Oct. 9 and faced federal charges on sex tourism and possession of child pornography. Authorities allegedly found pictures of nude young boys when Carlock was stopped after a trip to the Philippines this summer.

Carlock had a number of jobs involving contact with children in central Illinois, including performing as "Klutzo the Clown" and "Professor Paul the Magician."