Former Central Michigan University professor faces federal child pornography charge
William Merrill accused of having images, movies of children in his home and office
A university researcher specializing in Internet censorship and the use of children in advertising is being charged in federal court with possession of child pornography.
A hearing is scheduled Tuesday in Flint for William Merrill.
An affidavit filed with the court says more than 5,487 images of child pornography and at least 26 movies "depicting the exploitation of children" were seized from Merrill's home and office at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, about 120 miles northwest of Detroit.
According to the affidavit, the 58-year-old Merrill told police he "wanted to know if child pornography was as repulsive as he had read about."
He earlier faced similar charges in Isabella County.
The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from Merrill's attorney.
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