Peter Kiwitt, former Elon University School of Communications assistant professor, was "arrested and charged by criminal complaint with sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor using force, fraud, and coercion, and possession of child pornography," according to an announcement on Sept. 20 from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine. Kiwitt is currently being held without bail.
In 2017, Kiwitt was convicted for child pornography. He was found in possession of a sexual performance by a child in Greece, New York. He was required to register as a Level 1 sex offender.
From 2005 to 2009, Kiwitt was an assistant professor of cinema, now Cinema & Television Arts. He also served as an adviser to Cinelon Productions, an on-campus student-run film production company.