Categories: College University Athletics

Professor Arrested on Child Pornography Charges in North Carolina

A view of East Carolina University, site of a recent arrest of a faculty member.

News Summary

Dr. Blace A. Nalavany, a 57-year-old associate professor at East Carolina University, has been arrested amid an FBI investigation for possessing child pornography. Facing ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, his arrest has raised concerns within the university and community. The investigation involved a coordinated effort by the FBI and local authorities. Following the news, ECU has placed Nalavany on administrative suspension as they navigate the situation. The community remains shocked as more details are expected to unfold.

East Carolina University Professor Arrested During FBI Child Pornography Investigation

In an unsettling turn of events in Greenville, North Carolina, a respected professor from East Carolina University (ECU) has been arrested on serious charges related to child pornography. Dr. Blace A. Nalavany, a 57-year-old associate professor of social work, has captured headlines for the wrong reasons after being taken into custody on January 27, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation led by the FBI.

Who is Dr. Blace A. Nalavany?

Dr. Nalavany has been a fixture at ECU since he joined the faculty on August 21, 2006. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, he has dedicated his career to teaching in the Master of Social Work program, focusing on clinical courses involving individuals and families. He is also recognized as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), having years of experience providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and families who have dealt with the traumatic impacts of child sexual abuse.

The Arrest

Authorities report that Nalavany was arrested during a well-coordinated investigation that uncovered disturbing evidence. He is now facing ten counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. These charges are linked to material that depicts minors, specifically aged between 6 to 12 years old, engaging in sexual acts. This shocking revelation has raised serious concerns not only within the university community but also in the wider Greenville area.

Details of the Investigation

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), who executed a search warrant at Nalavany’s home located on Stillwater Drive. According to arrest warrants, authorities allege that Nalavany was in possession of materials that included visual representations of minors involved in sexual activity, which he reportedly duplicated.

Current Status

After his arrest, Nalavany was booked into the Pitt County Jail, where he is currently being held under a secured bond of $750,000. His arrest has sent shockwaves through ECU and raised critical questions about safety and trust within educational institutions.

University Response

The response from East Carolina University has been measured and cautious. In an official statement, the university expressed awareness of the arrest and emphasized its commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies as the investigation unfolds. In line with the University of North Carolina System Policy, Dr. Nalavany has been placed on administrative suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. This means he will not be involved in any university activities during this tense situation.

Community Reaction

The news of this arrest has undoubtedly disrupted the usually calm atmosphere of the campus, with students and faculty alike expressing a mixture of disbelief and concern. Dr. Nalavany’s biography on the ECU website highlights his experience in reviewing articles for the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, which adds another layer of complexity to this case. Many are left to wonder how a respected faculty member could face such serious allegations, especially given his professional background in helping those impacted by abuse.

What’s Next?

As the investigation is still active, the university has yet to provide additional comments. However, further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue their work. The community will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures safety and justice for all involved.

In a day and age where educational institutions serve as pillars of trust and safety for students, incidents like these are deeply concerning. The situation emphasizes the importance of vigilance and thorough investigations in ensuring the wellbeing of all students and families within the community.