Priest Charged with Posession, Production, and Transportation of Child Pornography

By Simon Shaykhet
WXYZ
September 29, 2014

http://www.wxyz.com/news/priest-charged-with-producing-child-pornography

[with video]

The FBI has charged Father Richard Kurtz with possession, production and transportation of child porn. The former Chemistry teacher at University of Detroit Jesuit High School was well known in the community.

Feds allege he secretly recorded players on the hockey team changing in locker rooms during the 1998-1999 season. They say other priests tipped them off.

Kurtz was arrested on other charges back in 2011 for sexual assault. The arrest was based on a warrant out of Chicago.

"He was very well known and the kids loved him, he taught chemistry and other sciences. I never heard any parent or student say anything bad about Father Kurtz," says one parent.

Feds say they found video at Kurtz's homes in Chicago and Clarkston. He was arrested on Monday in Missouri. A parent says "I'm very shocked by it, and it's upsetting to think about that even happening at such a wonderful institution."

If convicted, Kurtz faces up to 30 years behind bars. He is currently being extradited to Detroit. The school tells us he was removed after the 2001 incident and they do not tolerate any forms of abuse.

They add that they "send prayers to victims and their families."