DES PLAINES, Ill. (WLS) -- An Illinois State Police trooper faces charges of distributing and possessing child pornography, according to federal court documents filed Thursday.

Officials searched Colin Gruenke, 38, of Deerfield, while he was at the Des Plaines Illinois State Police offices earlier this week, the documents said.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

They also searched his home.

Officials allege Gruenke shared child porn on the messaging service Kik, and also had illicit images on his phone and a flash drive at his home.

The court documents said Gruenke was once a referee for a junior hockey league, as well.

State police said Friday Gruenke is on administrative leave without pay.

ISP is conducting an internal investigation.

This is a developing sto

See Full Page