Former Professor Indicted on Porn Charges
Former Professor Indicted on Porn Charges Save Email Print
Staunton, Va.
Posted: 6:08 PM Jul 22, 2008
Last Updated: 3:49 PM Jul 23, 2008
Reporter: Meg Gatto
Email Address: mgatto@whsv.com

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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.

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Posted by: Kacey Location: Harrisonburg on Jul 30, 2008 at 04:18 AM
I credit Dr. Blackwell with fueling my love for developmental psychology. I took two of his Psych classes at Blue Ridge Community College back in 1998, and have nothing but fond thoughts of him. I recall how amazing I thought he was in teaching Psychology, and how his passion for it was something that encourage me to work hard and learn amazing things about myself and the people around me. The things I learned from Dr. Blackwell I have carried with me over the last ten years. I'm just shocked and saddened that this is happening.

Posted by: D Location: Staunton, VA on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Dr. Blackwell was my undergraduate advisor. It's always the nice guys who end up getting charges like this. It's sad, really....from a personal standpoint, I can never use him as a reference again--and your advisor is generally the person who knows you best, professionally, while in college. He seemed to be a very loving father. I have personally looked through many of the images on his computer, and he had the normal kids-in-the-bath and running around naked shots all parents have. I've heard about people getting into trouble for those before--and if that's what this is about, it's completely bogus. If he did have child porn....well, frankly, I'm shocked.

Posted by: Tara Location: Greene on Jul 22, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Let me start by saying that in the United Stated justice system anyone suspected of a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately in this case, it appears that many have already decided Dr. Blackwell’s guilt. Many, that I am positive, are not privileged to know this fine man. As a Mary Baldwin alumnae and a proud graduate of the psychology department I had the rewarding opportunity to work with Dr. Chadwick Blackwell for three years. I was there when he did a “happy dance” after being informed he would be a full time professor with the department. I saw his enduring dedication to, and love for his children and his wife. Personally, I was the recipient of this wisdom, guidance and support. I have no doubt that if Dr. Blackwell denies the charges, that they are false. As to those who claim that he is arrogant or pompous… that is ludicrous. Dr. Blackwell is well educated, sincere, kind, and genuine. I am honored to have been his student and to remain his friend.

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