Religious Official Fired over Child Porn Charges, WTMJ, November 18, 2011

Religious Official Fired over Child Porn Charges

WTMJ
November 18, 2011

http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/134144148.html

WAUKESHA - The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod has fired Joel Hochmuth as its Communications Director a day after he was charged with possession of child pornography.

Hochmuth faces three counts of possession of child pornography. Waukesha police raided his home earlier this week following a tip from the FBI.

Authorities say they discovered hundreds of pictures and dozens of videos, many showing young boys engaging in sexual acts.

According to police, Hochmuth has been struggling with an addiction for some time, even working with his wife on the issue after she caught him viewing the material.

The Synod has released a statement saying "The termination was the result of Mr. Hochmuth's admission to possessing child pornography. WELS holds its employees to the highest possible ethical and moral standards. The synod will not and cannot tolerate any employee engaging in this kind of activity. WELS intends to cooperate fully with authorities as they continue their investigation."

Hochmuth has been released on bond.