Mascoutah, IL  (KTRS)  An associate pastor at a metro-east Catholic church is under investigation for child pornography.

Police arrested Father Gerald Hechenberger Monday night. Hechenberger is an associate pastor at Holy Childhood Church and School in Mascoutah. Belleville police say the arrest of Hechenberger is the result of a tip alleging that child pornography was being distributed in the Mascoutah area.

The Diocese’s statement reads in part “This is a very serious matter for Father Hechenberger. At this point, this Diocese has no reason to believe that any parishioners are affected by this matter”. -end quote. The Diocese promised full cooperation. Hechenberger had submitted a resignation in 2011 form a church in Smithton saying he needed to address “very serious personal, pastoral and legal challenges.”

Belleville Police said they plan to meet with prosecutors on Tuesday to determine what charges, if any, will be filed.