Member Took Secret Photos Of Boys In YMCA Locker Room: Feds

NILES, IL — A YMCA member in both Chicago and Niles has been indicted by federal authorities after they said he photographed young boys in gym locker rooms for almost 15 years.

Michael Porter, 55, was indicted on July 13 and later charged with producing, receiving and possessing child pornography.

According to court records, Porter was a member of the athletic club from 2006 to March 2020, when facilities were closed due to COVID-19. The indictment states he visited YMCA locations in Woodlawn, West Rogers Park and Niles.

YMCA officials warned parents on Thursday that Porter is accused of filming boys with hidden cameras and inappropriately touching at least two young members at a YMCA location.

The U.S. Attorney's Office arrested Porter with four hard drives, a cellphone and a laptop containing pornographic images of two minors under 12-years-old, prosecutors said.

While YMCA policy is to screen each potential member against the National Sex Offender Database, officials said no previous criminal cases were filed against Porter.

"We are disgusted and deeply saddened by these allegations," a statement from YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago President Dorri McWhorter read. "Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of everyone who enters our doors, most especially children."

Federal authorities said there is no evidence Porter sold or posted the videos he is accused of taking. YMCA and federal officials are asking anyone who may have had contact with Porter to call the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI and mention the"Michael Porter – Chicago" case.