Illinois State Police trooper, junior hockey league referee facing child porn charges: court docs

Friday, August 15, 2025
DES PLAINES, Ill. (WLS) -- An Illinois State Police trooper faces charges of distributing and possessing child pornography, according to federal court documents filed Thursday.

Officials searched Colin Gruenke, 38, of Deerfield, while he was at the Des Plaines Illinois State Police offices earlier this week, the documents said.



They also searched his home.

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Officials allege Gruenke shared child porn on the messaging service Kik, and also had illicit images on his phone and a flash drive at his home.



The court documents said Gruenke was once a referee for a junior hockey league, as well.

State police said Friday Gruenke is on administrative leave without pay.

ISP is conducting an internal investigation.

Gruenke's next hearing is Monday.



The Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois said in a statement, "Our records show that Mr. Gruenke last officiated for AHAI on Nov. 27, 2021, and has not been registered as a referee for our member teams and leagues since the 2021-22 season. Immediately upon learning of the charges against him, we notified all our affiliate organizations and encouraged anyone with information to contact law enforcement. We also submitted the information to the U.S. Center for SafeSport."
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