Crime & Safety
Strongsville Priest Faces Child Porn Charges
Rev. Bob McWilliams made his first appearance in court on Monday. His bond was set at $50,000.
STRONGSVILLE, OH — Rev. Bob McWilliams appeared in court for the first time on Monday. He faces charges related to a child pornography investigation.
McWilliams was taken into custody on Thursday, outside St. Joseph Parish in Strongsville. Law enforcement seized McWilliams' computer, cell phone and iPad, according to WKYC.
The 39-year-old priest was then booked into Cuyahgoa County Jail for pandering obscenities. He could face additional charges pending a grand jury decision.
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McWilliams works at both St. Joseph Parish and Saints Joseph and John School. He has been placed on administrative leave at the school.
Prosecutors believe McWilliams was receiving child pornography starting in 2016 but continuing through 2019, according to Fox 8. A search warrant related to the case was first obtained by the Geauga County Prosecutor's office.
Find out what's happening in Strongsvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Roman Catholic Bishop of Cleveland Nelson Perez issued a statement on McWilliams' charges, calling them "heart-wrenching." He pledged to cooperate fully with investigators.
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