A pornographic Snapchat photo provided evidence that led to charges against a Mount Prospect man who is reported to have worked as a freelance photographer and as a Northwestern University Police Department lieutenant.
Ronald Godby, 53, of the 700 block of S. I Oka Ave, runs a photography studio out of his home, where he was arrested Monday after police received information about inappropriate pictures “of a pornographic nature” on Snapchat — an application that gained notoriety for it proclaimed time-limited accessibility. A 17-year old girl, who provided additional information about the Snapchat photo, told police that Godby took inappropriate photographs of her at his residence when she was 13 years old.
Mount Prospect police investigators worked with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force and executed search warrants at Godby’s Mount Prospect home, his vehicles and his office at Northwestern University. Several computers, hard drives, professional cameras, and other media devices were recovered.
Investigators found digital images of a “pornographic nature” of the girl. The photo recovered are believed to have been taken about four years ago when the girl was 13 years old, police said.
The investigation has not revealed any evidence that these images were ever shared, police said.
Godby was charged Wednesday with manufacturing and possessing child pornography, as well as grooming. His bail was set at $100,000 on Wednesday, February 3.
Ronald Godby (Mount Prospect police photo).
On the Facebook page “Ron Godby Photos” photos of multiple Prospect High School teams are published. Godby received a 2013 Distinguished Service Award from Northwest Suburban High School District 214.
On Thursday morning officials at Prospect High School alerted families that a Northwestern University police lieutenant facing child pornography charges in Cook County has for years volunteered to take photos of students participating in school activities. Principal Michelle Dowling did not name the suspect and Mount Prospect resident, Ronald Godby, 53.
Dowling did confirm that “a parent within our community was charged yesterday [Wednesday] by the police for taking and storing inappropriate images of a minor.”
Godby’s bond includes several conditions:
– he cannot have contact with anyone under the age of 18 outside of his immediate family,
– he must surrender all firearms
– he is prohibited from using the Internet and cellphones
Also, Godby has been placed on administrative leave at the Northwestern University Police Department, and is banned from entering the Northwestern University campuses.
Mount Prospect Police Department urges citizens with additional information to call police at 847-870-5656.
Godby’s next scheduled court date is February 26 in Rolling Meadows.
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