Prospect High warns of photographer charged with child pornography
Prospect High School warned families this week about a parent volunteer charged with child pornography possession who took photos of kids at school events for years.
Principal Michelle Dowling's emailed letter to parents Thursday came after the arrest of Ronald Godby, a Northwestern University Police Department lieutenant, charged with felony manufacturing and possessing child pornography and grooming. Godby, 53, of the 700 block of S. I Oka Ave., Mount Prospect, was released after posting bond. His bail was set at $100,000 in a court appearance Wednesday in Rolling Meadows.
"The parent runs a part-time photography business that many within our community have used, and he has donated his time for several years taking photos at various events and practices at high schools throughout the district, including Prospect," Dowling wrote. "He has been instructed by the district to remove all photos that reflect District 214 students, events and activities on his photography business website. In addition, he is not allowed on district property pending the resolution of this matter."
The website of Ron Godby Photos on Friday afternoon still contained hundreds of photos of students from Prospect and other Northwest Suburban High School District 214 schools at sporting events, musicals, talent shows and other performances.
Godby was arrested Monday after Mount Prospect police say they received information about inappropriate pictures "of a pornographic nature" on Snapchat. Police took several computers, hard drives and professional cameras after executing a search warrant at his home, vehicles and office at Northwestern University. Authorities say they found digital images of a pornographic nature of a 13-year-old girl on Godby's hard drives.
Dowling, Prospect's principal, encouraged parents to contact police at (847) 870-5656 if they have any concerns, and to remind their children "that if they see or hear something that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should share this information with a trusted adult."
She also said the school's student services team is available to speak with parents and students who need counseling support.