Josh Powell Investigated on Child Porn Charges

The children of missing Utah mom Susan Cox Powell were placed in the custody of her parents today after a state attorney said that their father, Josh Powell, is being investigated on the same voyeurism and child porn charges that his father was arrested on last week.

The two boys had been living with Josh and his father, Steve Powell, since Susan’s disappearance in 2009. But when a police search of the Powell’s Puyallup, Wash., home allegedly turned up thousands of images of naked women and young girls taken without their knowledge, Steve Powell was arrested and the children were placed in protective custody.

Susan Powell’s parents, Chuck and Judy Cox, filed for custody of the children following Steve Powell’s arrest.

An attorney for Child Protective Services told the court today that Josh Powell, too, is being investigated on the charges, though he could not divulge any further information, according to ABC affiliate KOMO-TV in Seattle.

Josh Powell told the court he never saw any pornography at the house in Puyallup, and that there was no “clear and present danger” to his children, KOMO reported. He also said that he would be moving out of his father’s home and that the family would not post bail for Steve Powell.

Josh Powell is the only named person of interest in his wife’s disappearance, and the Cox’s attorney told the courtroom today that his clients believe he is solely responsible for their daughter’s disappearance.

Josh Powell denies any involvement in whatever happened to his wife.

“I did not harm her, I did not have anything to do with her disappearance,” Josh said at today’s court hearing. “I love my wife. I have looked for her in my own private way.”