A former Northern Kentucky University student was arrested on Aug. 28 for allegedly possessing and distributing child pornography, according to the Kenton County Police Department.

Matthew Schnapp of Independence, Ky was arrested after police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding child pornography images being uploaded online from Schnapp’s accounts. A search of his home uncovered further evidence.

The 22-year-old was charged with 30 counts of possessing matter portraying sexual performance of a minor under 12 years of age and 30 counts of distribution of matter portraying sexual performance by a minor under 12 years of age.

“We take internet crimes against children very seriously,” said Aaron Schihl, Kenton County Police public information officer.

NKU confirmed that Schnapp was a student at the university in the spring of 2024, and multiple sources saw the individual on campus at the beginning of the fall 2024 semester. When asked if Schnapp was enrolled for the fall, the university said he is not currently enrolled in classes.

Schnapp was a marching band assistant at Highlands High School and Highlands Middle School in Fort Thomas, Ky. Following his arrest, the school system issued a termination letter and said that to their knowledge, no students in the school system were a victim of the alleged criminal behavior.

Schnapp is being held at the Kenton County Detention Center with a $25,000 cash bond. If paid, he will be placed on electronic monitoring. His court date is set for Sept. 25, 2024. 

An NKU spokesperson said they had no statement on the matter.