William F. Blackhall, recently the vice president of the Hilliard Music Boosters representing Hilliard Darby High School, has been charged by California authorities with one felony count of possession and control of child pornography.

Blackhall -- a Columbus resident who lives in the Hilliard school district, according to Hilliard police -- was arraigned Monday, Sept. 10, in the Superior Court of California in Orange County.

His plea was not guilty, according to Farrah Emami, spokeswoman for the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

A pretrial date was set for Oct. 12. Emami said at the pretrial hearing, both parties would be able to exchange information and set future court dates.

Emami said while Blackhall was in California for one week on a business trip, a co-worker alerted Orange County authorities that Blackhall had child pornography on a computer he had brought with him for business.

As ThisWeekNEWS.com first reported on Sept. 11, Blackhall, 50, was arrested July 25, near Newport Beach, Calif., according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, for "possession/control of materials concerning a child under age 14."

"Law enforcement arrested the defendant on July 25 and during an investigation discovered more than 1,000 pictures, images and videos of young boys engaged in sexual conduct with other young boys," Emami said.

He was released on a $20,000 bond, but he was not formally charged by the Orange County District Attorney's Office until the last week of August, Emami said.

Emami said an Aug. 31 arraignment hearing was continued by the lawyers involved, with the hearing rescheduled for Sept. 10.

She said the maximum sentence if Blackhall is convicted of the charges is three years in state prison.

Blackhall could not be reached for comment.

The California prosecuting attorneys listed in the case are Craig Cazares and Nicole Nicholson, and the attorney listed as retained by the defendant is California-based lawyer Marc McBride.

McBride did not comment on the specifics of the case and referred to a comment he posted on ThisWeekNEWS.com as his official response.

Blackhall's position as vice president of the music boosters chapter made him a volunteer for the Hilliard City Schools. Background checks are required for positions in which a volunteer is left alone with students, according to the school district's volunteer policy, which is linked to the music boosters' website.

"Hilliard City Schools appreciates parent volunteers but also takes the safety of students very seriously," Hilliard City Schools spokeswoman Amanda Morris said in a Sept. 8 statement. "Background checks are a routine part of all volunteer badges and nothing was reported during Mr. Blackhall's check.

"After his arrest, his volunteer status was terminated and he was informed that he was not to be on school grounds or have anything to do with any school programs.

"This matter does not involve any Hilliard City Schools students or staff members. We will respect the privacy of those involved during this personal matter and focus on the education of our students."

Morris said Blackhall's volunteer status was revoked Aug. 2, the same day district officials were informed of his arrest.

The music boosters club is a separate organization from the district with its own policies and rules, Morris said, although they often work together.

"The Hilliard Music Boosters, as a volunteer organization of Hilliard-area parents and music supporters, works in cooperation with the Hilliard City School District as a district-recognized booster organization," said Jeff Keller, president of the music boosters. "Our volunteers are required to be volunteers of the district and are required to complete all background checks as required by (the school district).

"The Hilliard Music Boosters were informed of Mr. Blackhall's arrest in early August. In accordance with (booster) policies, all ties with Mr. Blackhall were terminated immediately. As this continues to be a private matter, (the) Hilliard Music Boosters will continue with our mission of supporting the excellent music programs that call the Hilliard City Schools home."