ICPD: Psychologist Had Child Porn on Computer

By: Steve Nicoles, Reporter

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By Steve Nicoles

Story Created: Apr 17, 2008 at 8:32 AM CST

Story Updated: Apr 17, 2008 at 4:34 PM CST

IOWA CITY - Police arrested an Iowa City psychologist for allegedly having child pornography on his computer. They say there could be more charges coming, either from the state or even the federal level.

Wednesday police arrested Howard Weinberg. He is charged with possession of images depicting the exploitation of a minor. Police confiscated five computers from Weinberg's home. They have only looked through one, but say they have already found hundreds of images and dozens of videos of child pornography. According to police many of the children appear to be 10 years old or younger and many look like they're under five.

Weinberg is a clinical psychologist in Iowa City. He works with couples and families, including children. Iowa City Police Sergeant Troy Kelsay said, “Right now there is no evidence that he was making these images himself. That's a possibility, we just don't know yet.”

Police say there is a very real possibility more charges will be filed.

They found out about the images from a computer store working on Weinberg's computer. An employee saw the images and called police. Police say the staff at Neo Computers is taking some heat for turning in Weinberg. Some people apparently do not like the idea that a company searching your computer can find illegal activity and report it to the cops. But police say the company did the right thing. They stress there is no right to privacy. If you take your computer in to be serviced by anyone, and that person finds evidence of criminal activity he or she should call the police.

Weinberg could lose his license or have it suspended. He has been a licensed psychologist in Iowa since 1989. The State Department of Public Health regulates licenses for psychologists. The board can make an emergency decision to suspend or repeal a license if the members believe there is a risk of immediate danger to the public. A spokesman for Public Health said because of confidentiality issues, he could not comment as to whether the board has looked at Weinberg's case. He did say the board has to let the public know of a meeting 24 hours in advance of that meeting. There has been no mention of a hearing as of Thursday evening.

Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com

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