RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Richmond man referred to by police as a "person of interest" in the disappearance of a Virginia Commonwealth University student was arraigned Monday morning on child pornography charges.
Ben Fawley, 38, was arraigned on 16 counts of child pornography. Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Mike Jagels said investigators found evidence in Fawley's computers of at least 30 movies depicting sexual acts with children between 10 and 14 years old — and as young as 1 to 2 years old.
Fawley will remain in jail without bond until his preliminary hearing, set for October 31st.
Authorities said the charges were "not directly related" to the disappearance of 17-year-old VCU freshman Taylor Behl.
Police say they found the evidence while searching Fawley's home for items that might belong to Behl, including her clothing. His attorney has said that Fawley was one of the last people to see Behl before she disappeared three weeks ago.