Man pleads guilty to child porn charge

A Newburgh, Ind. man has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography while studying at Indiana State University earlier this year.

Police arrested Taylor Bruckerhoff in May after a six-week investigation by cyber crime investigators. Investigators reported finding images of young girls involved in sex acts after searching Bruckerhoff’s room on campus, his computer and other devices.

Bruckerhoff told investigators that he had downloaded the images using a university service and that he had a strong sexual desire because of medication he was taking.

Initially, prosecutors charged Bruckerhoff with possession of child pornography and child exploitation.

On Monday, Bruckerhoff pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. Under a plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the child exploitation charge. Also under the agreement, Bruckerhoff would be placed in a mental health treatment program through the county’s Mental Health Court.

Though he will not go to trial, Bruckerhoff is still set to appear in court for another hearing on August 3.