SFA Professor Arrested for Child Porn

NACOGDOCHES (Staff/AP) — A Stephen F. Austin State University professor was arrested on campus Tuesday morning for possession of child pornography. According to KETK, the university’s communications department says an investigation began when images were discovered on a server used by the business college. SFA’s Department of Public Safety worked with other law enforcement agencies to determine the origin and nature of the images. Once it was determined the pictures had been downloaded and disseminated from an SFA computer, officials say they were able to find no evidence linking the illegal images to SFA students in any way. Authorities arrested Dr. Michael Stroup, 52, of Nacogdoches, and charged him with possession of child pornography.

Stroup, a faculty member and interim chair of the Department of Economics and Finance, was suspended with pay pending further review, per university policy. Stroup has also been told to remain off campus during the suspension period. Classes taught by Stroup will be covered by other faculty members. SFA stated it traditionally protects employees’ rights to privacy by not commenting on personnel issues, but due to the nature of the case, a decision was made to make a statement regarding the case. “We are committed to doing the right thing for students on the campus as well as for faculty members,” said Dr. Steve Bullard, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We are adhering to those values in the decisions we make regarding this incident.” The investigation is ongoing. Online jail records do not list an attorney for Stroup.