Ex-Wheaton College Professor Downloads Film Of Nude Children, Violates Probation: Police

WHEATON, IL — A former Wheaton college professor violated probation Thursday after he admitted to viewing a film that featured multiple images of unclothed children. Donald Ratcliff, 66, formerly of Carol Stream, had been a religious studies professor at Wheaton College until he was arrested on child pornography charges in 2012 after an undercover investigation by the Carol Stream Police Department. He now faces up to seven years in prison for violating probation, according to Daily Herald.

After pleading guilty, Ratcliff was initially convicted on two felony counts of aggravated child pornography and sentenced to to 42 months in prison, according to Daily Herald. Ratcliff’s sentence was later reduced to 180 in a county correctional facility and four years of sex offender probation. Daily Herald reports that Ratcliff petitioned DuPage County probation officials to use a monitored computer. This request was granted, but on April 23, Ratcliff reportedly contacted his probation officer to report that there had been “possible misuse” of his computer.

Ratcliff had reportedly watched the 1954 film “Garden of Eden,” which centers around a story of a mother and child living in a nudist colony. The film includes several images of child nudity. According to Daily Herald, Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pawl said that Ratcliff disclosed that he was viewing the film for sexual pleasure.

Donald Ratcliff, who was taken back into custody on May 18 is set to appear before Judge John Kinsella on July 6.

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