Family Defends Tecumseh Man Charged With Collecting Child Pornography

A Tecumseh man accused of buying child pornography online hears the state charges against him, only to find out federal charges could also be on the way.

Harry Hopper, Jr. is accused of keeping a child porn collection inside his home in Tecumseh. Investigators say Hopper purchased a new video online, making his private obsession a public concern; but in our exclusive interview with his family, Hopper's mother denies the allegations.

10/10/2012 Related Story: Concerns Raised After Tecumseh Man Arrested With Child Porn

Hopper did not personally appear in court, but his family did.

"They've painted him as a terrible person and it's not true," said Hopper's mother, Wanda Hopper. "We are here to tell him and the world that we love him and we don't believe any of these things about him that are being said."

Investigators claim they found more than 100 pictures, magazines, and drawings of young naked boys in Hopper's possession. Tecumseh Police say Hopper's collection also included pictures of kids playing at the elementary school across the street from Hopper's house; a home he shares with his mother.

"He's done many wonderful things and I just couldn't believe it. You know, cause he has worked with youth for years," Wanda said.

Investigators say Hopper could still face federal charges, after the U.S. Postal Service intercepted a package believed to be child porn mailed to Hopper's home.

10/9/2012 Related Story: Tecumseh Police Arrest Man For Possession Of Child Porn 

Hopper's attorney David Slane says police are being too candid.

"All indications is that Mr. Hopper has been nothing but a model citizen, and we are going to wait to see what the evidence is, and then we will deal with it at that time," Slane said.

Until then, Hopper's family wants everyone his side of the story.

"My son admitted, he said I know I did something but I'm sorry. The things they are saying about me are not true," Wanda said.

With federal charges pending, Hopper's lawyer says he did not ask for the $250,000 bond to be lowered. Hopper's next court date is set for November.