University Professor Arrested for Possessing Child Pornography

Los Angeles: On Thursday, July 24, 2003, at 8:15 a.m., detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit, Juvenile Division, arrested Anthony Peter Smulders, age 61, at his residence in the 7100 block of Ramsgate Avenue, Los Angeles. Smulders was arrested without incident on a misdemeanor warrant, charging him with 2 counts of Penal Code Section 311.11(a) (Possession of Child Pornography) and 28 counts of Penal Code Section 311.3(A) (Sexual Exploitation of a Child). At the time of his arrest, Smulders was on paid administrative leave from Loyola Marymount University, where he was a professor of Biology. His bail was set at $100,000. On Thursday, July 24, 2003, at 8:15 a.m., detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit, Juvenile Division, arrested Anthony Peter Smulders, age 61, at his residence in the 7100 block of Ramsgate Avenue, Los Angeles. Smulders was arrested without incident on a misdemeanor warrant, charging him with 2 counts of Penal Code Section 311.11(a) (Possession of Child Pornography) and 28 counts of Penal Code Section 311.3(A) (Sexual Exploitation of a Child). At the time of his arrest, Smulders was on paid administrative leave from Loyola Marymount University, where he was a professor of Biology. His bail was set at $100,000.
The investigation into Smulders began in October 2002, when technicians repairing Smulder’s university computer discovered images of possible child pornography. Smulder’s university computer was seized and a search warrant was served on his residence. Evidence related to his arrest was discovered on the computer and in his home.
In addition to his position at Loyola Marymount University, Smulders is a counselor for the American Youth Soccer Organization and a brother with the Catholic religious institute Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy.
A photograph of Smulders is available by e-mail to the media upon request through the LAPD Media Relations Section.
Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Juvenile Division Detective James Brown at 213-485-2883. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.