University Researcher Stabbed Self During Child Pornography Investigation

IOWA CITY, Iowa — A researcher from the University of Iowa (UI) was under investigation by campus police for child pornography at the same time he faked his own stabbing, according to a police report. The university has refused to release details of the investigation.

Dr. Gary Hunninghake, former director of the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, has been on paid leave for 10 months since the start of the investigation, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. He has filed a lawsuit to block the release of information about the inquiry. The university has since closed the child pornography investigation without filing charges. 

Last April, Hunninghake went to an emergency room with stab wounds to his chest, abdomen and shoulder, only 24 hours after police served search warrants at his office and home. Initially, Hunninghake claimed he had been robbed and stabbed by three men. Later he admitted to stabbing himself with a steak knife.

Hunninghake was charged with filing a false police report. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. He remains a salaried employee of the university.

Read the full story.

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