Introduction to the Case

An Illinois State Police trooper from Deerfield who also worked as a youth hockey referee is facing federal child pornography charges.

Background of the Accused

Colin Gruenke, 38, is charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. He has been placed on unpaid leave, according to a state police spokesperson who said the agency is cooperating with federal authorities and also conducting an internal investigation.

Details of the Charges

According to the federal criminal complaint Gruenke faces, he’s accused of using mobile messaging app accounts to share images depicting child pornography. Acting on a search warrant, authorities confronted Gruenke at the state police office in Des Plaines and seized his iPhone, which they say contained images depicting nude children.

Investigation and Evidence

Later, federal agents recovered a flash drive from his home that the complaint says contained about 200 video files depicting child pornography. Gruenke’s arrest stemmed from a report last fall to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from a mobile messaging app that said someone with an email address that authorities say later was found to have come from an IP address linked to Gruenke’s home had uploaded and distributed images of child pornography over a three-day period last September.

Career and Personal Life

In May, federal Department of Homeland Security officials opened an investigation of Gruenke. According to the complaint, Gruenke was a state trooper as of that date. According to the complaint, investigators obtained photos showing Gruenke was a referee for the 2018 Illinois State High School hockey championship.

Conclusion

The arrest of Colin Gruenke, a member of the Illinois State Police and a youth hockey referee, on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in combating such serious crimes. It highlights the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in identifying and prosecuting offenders. The case also raises questions about the screening and monitoring of individuals in positions of trust, such as law enforcement and youth sports refereeing.

FAQs

• Q: What are the charges against Colin Gruenke?
  • A: Colin Gruenke is charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
• Q: What led to Gruenke’s arrest?
  • A: Gruenke’s arrest stemmed from a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about someone uploading and distributing images of child pornography, which was later linked to him.
• Q: What evidence was found against Gruenke?
  • A: Authorities found images depicting nude children on his iPhone and about 200 video files depicting child pornography on a flash drive from his home.
• Q: Is Gruenke still working as a state trooper?
  • A: No, he has been placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the investigation and legal proceedings.
• Q: What other role did Gruenke have besides being a state trooper?
  • A: Gruenke also worked as a referee for youth hockey, including refereeing the 2018 Illinois State High School hockey championship.