CHICO, Calif. - The Butte County Sheriff's office Monday released information about the arrest of  CSU, Chico History Professor Laird McLeod Easton for possession of child pornography.

Investigators say they uncovered evidence that showed Easton was downloading child pornography and on January 20th obtained a warrant for his arrest. 

A search warrant was served at Easton's home on Citrus Avenue in Chico on January 21st. Detectives and University Police Department Officers also served a search warrant at Easton's Office on campus. 

Officers seized Easton's cell phone and other electronic devices. They say more than 100 images of child pornography were found on Easton's cell phone. They're still in the process of reviewing other electronic devices.

On January 21st Easton was booked into the Butte County Jail on charges of possessing child pornography.   He later posted bail and is scheduled to be arraigned in Butte County Superior Court on April 9th, 2021.  

The Sheriff's Department is asking anyone with information about this investigation to contact Detective Mary Barker at (530) 538-7671.

The University issued a news release saying, "The University has learned that one of its employees, Laird Easton, has been arrested by Butte County Sheriff’s Office in a child pornography investigation. We are cooperating with the investigation and the employee has been suspended from teaching and campus activities until further notice. The University encourages anyone with knowledge about this case or any instance of child exploitation or abuse to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Any questions about the charges or ongoing criminal investigation should be directed to BCSO."