Former Pitt official appears in court on child porn charges

PITTSBURGH — The former director of Pitt’s University Counseling Center was in court Thursday for a hearing.

Edward Michaels was put on leave in May after he was charged with possession of child porn. He is no longer employed by the university, according to Joe Miksch, a university spokesman.

Michaels didn’t have anything to say to our cameras as he walked in and out of court Thursday morning.

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His attorney, David Shrager, said there’s new evidence he needs to review but wouldn’t tell Channel 11 what the new information is.

“I was able to get some additional information today that lead me to feel like I need to do some additional digging,” Shrager said.

Investigators said their evidence is lengthy. Detectives searched Michaels' house and found several hundred printed pictures, 113 of which were sexually explicit images of young girls, police said.

He said his client denies the allegations.

“It's an everyday struggle.” Shrager said. “He was a respected member of the community and this is emotionally devastating.”

Shrager said there is no plan for a plea deal.

Thursday’s preliminary hearing was continued until next month.

Cox Media Group