Ex-Wheaton College professor can move during his child porn case

Former Wheaton College professor Donald Ratcliff can move to a new home in Villa Park while his child pornography case is pending, a judge ruled Friday.

DuPage County Judge John Kinsella agreed to transfer Ratcliff's electronic home monitoring to a residence on Roosevelt Road.

Defense attorney Dan Collins said Ratcliff, 61, and his wife of 33 years recently reached a divorce agreement and are selling their house in Carol Stream.

“He remains engaged in counseling,” Collins said, adding that the new residence is consistent with Ratcliff's treatment recommendations.

Kinsella gave Ratcliff six hours to move his belongings. He is otherwise prohibited from leaving his home unless it's for counseling, medical treatment, court appearances or attorney meetings.

Ratcliff was arrested in March after an undercover investigation into child pornography. Prosecutors said more than 500 images were found on computer equipment at his home.

Wheaton College fired Ratcliff, a Christian education professor, in March and he was later released from jail on a $30,000 bond.

His next court date is July 31.