University of Arkansas professor arrested on CSAM possession charge

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A University of Arkansas professor was arrested after being accused of possessing child sexual abuse materials, according to court documents.

Joshua McGee, 34, was arrested on July 11 on one count of possession of child pornography.

A preliminary report said that in June, the Fayetteville Police Department started an investigation after an IP address registered to McGee had downloaded “large amounts” of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).

Investigators found that the IP address had downloaded files from June to July 2025.

Officers went to McGee’s residence on July 11 to speak with him. McGee confessed to downloading multiple files of CSAM as recently as a week before being interviewed.

However, when asked if he had CSAM stored on his phone or other electronic devices, McGee said no.

McGee’s cell phone and electronic devices were searched and investigators found CSAM. A thumb drive reportedly contained multiple folders of CSAM, each labeled with specific categories.

A hidden folder app on McGee’s cell phone also contained CSAM, according to the report.

The University of Arkansas’ website says that McGee is a teaching assistant professor of exercise science.

A University of Arkansas spokesperson told KNWA/FOX24 that McGee has been placed on administrative leave.

McGee was released from the Washington County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 8.