A Nashville midday Christian radio host was arrested by federal agents yesterday and charged with downloading child pornography from the Internet.
FBI officials said they found numerous graphic images on the home computer of 94FM The Fish host Chris Ruleman, 40, of Turning Leaf Place in Brentwood. The station's Web site boasts the motto ''Safe for the whole family.''
The investigation into Ruleman began earlier this week when someone with direct knowledge about the computer alerted law enforcement officials, said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jon Stephens.
Ruleman was arrested at his home yesterday, where he lives with his wife and three children.
''None of the images we have for evidence appear to depict any of the children presently residing at the home,'' Stephens said.
''We did seize other media-related tapes and DVDs, but we haven't completely reviewed them yet.''
A state Department of Children's Services evaluation of the situation continues, he said.
Ruleman is charged with one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He is being held without bond.
Stephens said the images depicted youths engaged in sex acts with multiple partners.
A biography of Ruleman that until recently had been posted on the radio station's Web site said he ''is quickly becoming known as America's top Christian adult contemporary radio voice. He's personable and friendly, and perhaps one of the silliest people you'll ever meet.''
Ruleman started in Christian radio about 10 years ago, after spending 12 years in mainstream radio, the biography of the Memphis native said.
He also did other type of voice work and some cell phones carry his voice saying, ''The customer you're trying to reach is not currently available,'' among other messages.
Ruleman's wife, reached at home, declined to comment. Mike Miller, the radio station's general manager, released a short statement saying they were cooperating with law-enforcement officials and that Ruleman was no longer on the air at the station.
As authorities led him past local television crews yesterday, Ruleman said, ''I have done nothing wrong.''
Source: http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/05/03/67159826.shtml
FBI officials said they found numerous graphic images on the home computer of 94FM The Fish host Chris Ruleman, 40, of Turning Leaf Place in Brentwood. The station's Web site boasts the motto ''Safe for the whole family.''
The investigation into Ruleman began earlier this week when someone with direct knowledge about the computer alerted law enforcement officials, said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jon Stephens.
Ruleman was arrested at his home yesterday, where he lives with his wife and three children.
''None of the images we have for evidence appear to depict any of the children presently residing at the home,'' Stephens said.
''We did seize other media-related tapes and DVDs, but we haven't completely reviewed them yet.''
A state Department of Children's Services evaluation of the situation continues, he said.
Ruleman is charged with one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He is being held without bond.
Stephens said the images depicted youths engaged in sex acts with multiple partners.
A biography of Ruleman that until recently had been posted on the radio station's Web site said he ''is quickly becoming known as America's top Christian adult contemporary radio voice. He's personable and friendly, and perhaps one of the silliest people you'll ever meet.''
Ruleman started in Christian radio about 10 years ago, after spending 12 years in mainstream radio, the biography of the Memphis native said.
He also did other type of voice work and some cell phones carry his voice saying, ''The customer you're trying to reach is not currently available,'' among other messages.
Ruleman's wife, reached at home, declined to comment. Mike Miller, the radio station's general manager, released a short statement saying they were cooperating with law-enforcement officials and that Ruleman was no longer on the air at the station.
As authorities led him past local television crews yesterday, Ruleman said, ''I have done nothing wrong.''
Source: http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/05/03/67159826.shtml
