Former Downers Grove Doctor Sentenced for Child Porn Possession

Caption: Edward J. McMenamin, 68, as he appeared last year at the time of his arrest on child pornography charges.

A former Downers Grove family doctor was sentenced today to serve eight years in prison for possession of child pornography.

Edward J. McMenamin, age 68 of the 4200 block of Saratoga, Downers Grove, pleaded guilty March 10 to one count of child pornography, which is a felony, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

McMenamin must serve half of his eight-year sentence before he’d be eligible for parole, according to the state’s attorney’s office. He must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

A Downers Grove Police Department investigation in 2013 found McMenamin was in possession of numerous images and videos of child pornography. The investigation was sparked by a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about possible dissemination and possession of child pornography in Downers Grove.

A $500,000 arrest warrant was issued May 29, 2014, for McMenamin, and he was arrested that day outside his home. His bond was set at $500,000, and he was out on bail after posting 10 percent.

He originally faced 17 counts of possession and dissemination of child pornography.

The state suspended McMenamin’s physician’s license, and he was suspended from practicing medicine with the Advocate Medical Group and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital during the investigation. The medical group also opened its own internal investigation.

McMenamin had an office at Downers Grove Family Practice at 4900 Main St. The medical practice, which some say is considered an “institution” in Downers Grove, was founded in 1975. McMenamin became a partner in the practice in 1981.

“Child pornographers such as Edward McMenamin believe their sickening needs trump the law,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin in a statement. “Today, Mr. McMenamin learned that his lust for child pornography, which claims hundreds of thousands of victims every year, will cost him his freedom for the next eight years.”

More on this story:

• Accused Child Porn Doctor Suspended from Medical Group
• Downers Grove Doc Cops Guilty Plea To Kiddie Porn Charge

ALSO ON PATCH