CULLMAN, Ala. – A Huntsville man who was arrested on Friday for 18 counts of child pornography charges, was revealed to be a UAH professor, and more charges have been added to the count.
According to a press release from Cullman County District Attorney Wilson Blaylock, Michael McGinnis, who is a professor at the University of Alabama – Huntsville, has been arrested for committing sex acts with a minor, possessing child pornography and providing drugs to a minor.
After consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, McGinnis was arrested by the Cullman Sheriff’s Office on August 26, 2021, for attempting to unlawfully distribute a controlled substance, chemical endangerment of child and criminal solicitation to commit a controlled substance crime. These charges originated from information provided by a concerned citizen.
The Sheriff’s Office continued their investigation by seizing McGinnis’ cellphone. After the execution of a search warrant, investigators were able to determine that McGinnis was in possession of at least 18 images of child pornography. The DA’s office then authorized the arrest of McGinnis on 18 counts of possession of obscene matter.
Further investigation was conducted by the Sheriff’s Office based upon the minor victim’s disclosure of disturbing information. As a result, additional warrants were issued by the District Attorney’s Office. On September 20, 2021, McGinnis was arrested for traveling to meet a child for sex acts, electronic solicitation of a child, sodomy in the second degree and enticing child for immoral purposes.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the concerned citizen for providing the initial information that led to the arrest of this predator,” said District Attorney Blaylock. “I also want to thank the deputies and investigators at the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office for their diligence in continuing with further investigations into McGinnis’ disturbing conduct. Our office will prosecute McGinnis for these charges, and we will continue to work with investigators and make decisions on whether any additional charges should be issued.”
**The law requires prosecutors to make the following disclosure: Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
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