A seminarian for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has been arrested on child pornography charges, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
Broderick Witt, 28, was arrested on Feb. 9 at his living quarters in Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Cincinnati's Mount Washington neighborhood. He's charged with eight counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, all fourth degree felonies.
"During this investigation, it was discovered that Witt [was studying to become a priest] for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati," the release reads. "The investigation pertaining to Witt's activities is still ongoing."
Broderick Witt, 28, was arrested on Feb. 9 at his living quarters in Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Cincinnati's Mount Washington neighborhood. He's charged with eight counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, all fourth degree felonies.
Authorities say the investigation began in late September of 2023, when members of the Regional Electronics & Computer Investigations section (R.E.C.I) opened an investigation into Witt's online activities after receiving information from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
"During this investigation, it was discovered that Witt [was studying to become a priest] for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati," the release reads. "The investigation pertaining to Witt's activities is still ongoing."
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati released a statement following the arrest, saying Witt is no longer a student nor a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
"The seminary and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have strict policies against, and take significant precautions to prevent, anyone from possessing or accessing material of this type, regardless of whether they are a student, faculty, or staff," the release reads. "Discovery of such material will result in immediate termination or dismissal and notification of law enforcement. We have cooperated, and will continue to cooperate, fully with law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office. We are committed to doing all we possibly can to remove the scourge of child exploitation and abuse from our Church and society."
Anyone with information related to this case should contact the Regional Electronics & Computer Investigations section at (513) 946-8338."The seminary and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have strict policies against, and take significant precautions to prevent, anyone from possessing or accessing material of this type, regardless of whether they are a student, faculty, or staff," the release reads. "Discovery of such material will result in immediate termination or dismissal and notification of law enforcement. We have cooperated, and will continue to cooperate, fully with law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office. We are committed to doing all we possibly can to remove the scourge of child exploitation and abuse from our Church and society."
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