Wheaton College Professor Charged with Possessing Child Porn
By Clifford Ward and Michelle Manchir
A Wheaton College professor who taught a class and wrote books about children's spirituality was ordered held in lieu of $750,000 bail Friday on possession of child pornography and weapons charges. Donald Ratcliff, 60, was arrested Thursday by Carol Stream police after authorities learned his computer Internet address was associated with trading child pornography, including images of children younger than 13, DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney Anne Therieau said. Also, police found two handguns and 1,600 rounds of ammunition, Therieau said. He was charged with possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card and possession of ammunition without an FOID card. Ratcliff's attorney, Dan Collins, said the pistols were family heirlooms. He declined to comment further. Carol Stream Detective Peter Chacon said six or seven computers were taken from Ratcliff's Carol Stream home, and the investigation continues. "We found a significant amount just on a preview," Chacon said, adding that each computer contained multiple hard drives. Ratcliff is a professor of Christian education and has taught at the college since 2006. He has an educational background in child development, according to an online biography on the college's website. Wheaton College officials released a short statement saying Ratcliff would be placed on administrative leave. College officials on Friday said he will continue to be paid while on leave. Wheaton College spokeswoman LaTonya Taylor would not say whether the school is involved in the investigation or if Ratcliff ever worked with children in his role as a professor. A memo sent to Wheaton College parents, students, staff and faculty said, "We are grieved to receive this news and value your prayers for all affected by this situation." Contact: mmanchir@tribune.com
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