Former Bartlett HS volleyball coach charged with possessing, disseminating child pornography

DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- DuPage County prosecutors said a former volleyball coach at Bartlett High School has been charged with possessing and disseminating child pornography.

Gyula Finlon, 25, of Wheaton has been charged with three felony counts of Exhibit, Reproduce, Disseminate Child Pornography, one felony count of Unauthorized Video Recording for a Victim Under 18, and three felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

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West Chicago police said their investigation found Finlon was allegedly in possession of child pornography beginning in late 2020 through January of 2023, and allegedly disseminated it through social media.

According to investigators, the pornographic material was obtained by Finlon as a result of an online relationship with a 17-year-old girl located in Russia.

DuPage County prosecutors said the allegations are not connected to Finlon's work as a volleyball coach and the victim was not a student at Bartlett High School. He worked at the school during the 2021-2022 school year. Prosecutors said the school has been cooperative throughout the investigation.

"This was a volleyball coach only," said District U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders. "Never a teacher, never a full-time employee. Just a part-time coach that did coach volleyball for one year at Bartlett High School and was not asked back for this current school year."

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The district has reached out to parents to inform them of the situation.

"41 As a school district we have no tolerance for such behaviors within our school system," Sanders said. "If they have any suspicion of anything happening with their child or if students have suspicions to please report it to us so we can take appropriate action."

Finlon also worked for the Pipeline Volleyball Club from 2021 until his arrest. They sent out a similar statement as the district did, saying they have no knowledge of any allegations involving Finlon and their athletes.

Finlon appeared in court Wednesday and his bond was set at $75,000. He is due back in court on February 6.

Anyone with pertinent information related to this case should contact West Chicago police at 360-293-2222.