Volleyball Coach Charged With Videotaping Kids In Bathroom

CAROL STREAM, IL --CORRECTION: AN EARLIER VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE SAID LIEDTKE OWNED A FITNESS FACILITY. HE RUNS A PROGRAM THAT OPERATES OUT OF DUPAGE TRAINING CENTER, BUT IS REPORTEDLY NOT AFFILIATED WITH IT.

A Carol Stream volleyball coach and owner of a fitness facility has been arrested on charges of videotaping children and patrons while they used the bathroom. Police say Michael Liedtke, 34, of the 700 block of Parkside Circle, Streamwood, hid a video camera in a ceiling tile of a restroom and that the wiring to the camera led to a computer in his office.

Authorities began investigating Liedtke after they got a report on Jan. 21 of possible unauthorized video recording at 115 Alexandra Way in Carol Stream, where Liedtke operates Xcel Athletics. While investigating, police say they discovered the camera and found "numerous images of patrons, including minors, as they used the washroom" while searching Liedtke's computer.

Police say they also discovered child pornography images on Liedtke's cellphone.

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement, "The allegations against Mr. Liedtke are, in a word, sickening. He allegedly violated not only the privacy of patrons at the facility, but also the trust placed in him by the parents of the athletes he trained."

Berlin went on to call the alleged behavior "disgusting" and to vow that Liedtke's case would be "met with the full force of the law."

Liedtke was formally charged with felony counts of child pornography possession and unauthorized videotaping. He is currently being held at DuPage County Jail on $250,000 bond.

Liedtke is set to appear in court on Feb. 28.

Image via DuPage County State's Attorney's Office