As if Coulrophobics didn't have enough to worry about! An Illinois "Christian clown" has been charged with possession of child pornography and sex tourism stemming from a trip to a Filipino orphanage. After several months of investigation A. Paul Carlock Jr., who performs under the name Klutzo, was arrested Tuesday at his home in Springfield.
The 57-year-old former law enforcement officer and juvenile councilor, was originally detained on June 11 at San Francisco International Airport while returning from the Philippines, where he says he performed at an orphanage called House of Joy. A routine inspection of his digital camera and phone uncovered a variety of images of naked pre-teen boys, according to his arrest report. When questioned about the images, Carlock reportedly told officers, "That's how they live."
Lifestyles aside, three of the boys featured in the photographs later gave sworn statements that Carlock came into their rooms at night and fondled their genitals. They further asserted that he sneaked out when they woke up. Those statements lead to a search warrant, which was executed on Sept. 28 and which uncovered at least "21 movies on six compact discs that contain child pornography," according to the affidavit.
For the past 10 years Carlock and his wife, who goes by the stage name Smilee, have been "clowning" for youngsters at orphanages across the world. According to their website, they "are available for vacation Bible schools, children's crusades, Sunday school, children's church, church parties... and more [which] can be used to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to your children." It also states that Klutzo is "an ordained minister (formerly with the Church of the Nazarene, currently with the Missionary Church International)."
The Peoria Journal Star is reporting that in December 1986, Carlock wrote a letter to the State Journal-Register on the dangers of pornography. In that letter he calls himself a "Christian Conservative" and 16-year veteran of law enforcement. His complaint was over a cartoon which he referred to as "smut."
Ironically he then wrote: "I have spoken with victims and offenders and have read many case histories in which pornographic materials played an overwhelming role in the events that have left lives shattered and homes broken." Now it appears he may be adding to that body of evidence as he is under arrest and reportedly divorcing his wife.
Klutzo, The Krazy Konservative Kristian Kid-Loving Kop Klown. Has a certain ring to it.