Sheriff’s detectives arrested a faculty member at Chico State University on suspicion of possessing child pornography.
The university suspended Laird Easton from teaching duties in light of his arrest last Thursday on suspicion of child porn possession, a spokesperson confirmed to NSPR.
The school lists Easton as a professor in the history department.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) said in a statement that detectives opened an investigation into the 64-year-old earlier this month. They allegedly found evidence he had been downloading illicit material.
Law enforcement officers searched Easton’s home and his office at Chico State, according to BCSO. Detectives seized multiple electronic devices belonging to Easton and allegedly discovered more than 100 images of child pornography on his cell phone.
Easton posted bail and is expected in court in April should the Butte County District Attorney’s Office file formal charges.
District Attorney Mike Ramsey said his office as of Sunday had not yet received a request from the Sheriff’s Office to review the case for possible criminal charges.
Easton did not respond to an email seeking comment.