A former Mary Baldwin College professor has been indicted on possession of child pornography charges. Dr. Chadwick Blackwell resigned from his position as assistant professor of psychology as a result.

MBC officials say it was a student who discovered child porn in Blackwell's office.

Spokesperson Crista Cabe says, "There was a student who was in his office who saw images that concerned her. She reported that to the departmental chair, that information made its way to our vice president for academic affairs.

The college was swift to aid the Staunton police department in their investigation of Blackwell. The investigation lasted nine months.

Cabe comments, "Even before Dr. Scott was able to talk with the student, he made sure that the computer in question was secured immediately and so that happened before he was able to confirm any report at all. So we knew that the evidence was secured and could not be tampered with."

Cabe says the college was also quick to place Blackwell on leave.

She says, "As soon as the investigation started, Dr. Blackwell was placed on suspension with instructions not to appear on campus at all."

Cabe says all students and faculty adhere to the same campus policies and there is no special treatment for specific individuals.

Cabe adds, "Our policy for faculty, staff, and students is that we cooperate with law enforcement authorities and we will not tolerate any illegal activity on campus."

Blackwell had been a professor at Mary Baldwin since 2002. Cabe comments he seemed to be a well-liked professor.