West Allis man accused of possessing child porn



Eric Theurich



WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- 43-year-old Eric Theurich of West Allis was criminally charged on Thursday, February 28th with five counts of possession of child pornography.

"He admitted to downloading the child pornography," said Lt. Jessica Johnson of the West Allis Police Department. "He stated that he used a file sharing program called Limewire."

The criminal complaint against Theurich indicates he had moved into a trailer with a female friend in July 2012. Theurich apparently kept his desktop computer in the livingroom of the trailer but the friend was allowed to use it by logging in as a guest.

The complaint indicates on one evening, the desktop was on -- Theurich was logged in but not around. The friend told police she saw child porn on the computer but did not initially say anything about it because "she was fearful of Theurich."

The complaint says on January 2nd, Theurich pleaded guilty to a driving offense and was serving time in jail. During that time, police confiscated Theurich's computer and found thousands of pornographic images and videos. They feature children from six to 12 years old in sexually explicit poses and acts.

When asked about the images and videos, the complaint says Theurich says he started downloading material in 2010 -- and "stated that viewing the child pornography brought back memories of what happened to him as a child when he was assaulted."

"We do not believe that it was originated from him. He was not manufacturing child pornography," said Lt. Johnson.

Officials say if you know anything about Theurich's actions, you're urged to call the West Allis Police Department.

Theurich finishes his sentence for the driving-related offense on Saturday, March 2nd. If he posts the $2,500 bail for the child porn charges, he could be back on the streets on Saturday.

If convicted, Theurich faces up to 25 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. He's due back in court for his preliminary hearing on Friday, March 8th.

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