A Las Vegas Strip performer has been arrested for possession of child pornography.
Illusionist Jan Rouven Fuechtener, who performed at Tropicana Las Vegas, was arrested by the FBI.
Tropicana illusionist Jan Rouven has been arrested for child pornography charges. Details from affidavit at 5pm. pic.twitter.com/KgSQXzhexv
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) March 17, 2016
According to the FBI, more than 3,400 videos and 105 photographs featuring children in sexual situations were discovered on a computer and external hard drive in a pool house on Rouven's property in mid-January.
The videos and photos were obtained through a file-sharing program. During an interview with the FBI, Rouven said that he was aware of child porn, but had no need for it. He also said that he used the file-sharing program to obtain German television and magic shows.
The FBI also interviewed an individual who may have lived on the property. That person told the FBI that Rouven was on the Internet looking at porn "24/7."
According to the Associated Press, Rouven pled not guilty on Wednesday to one charge of receipt or distribution of child pornography. He was ordered to remain jailed pending trial as a danger to the community and a flight risk.
The 38-year-old performer has family ties in Germany.
Tropicana officials say that his show was canceled on Wednesday night and tickets are not currently being sold for any other shows.
“We are deeply disturbed by the very serious charges that have been filed against Mr. Rouven, who has been serving as an outside contractor to Tropicana Las Vegas. Following the news of his arrest we took immediate steps to sever all ties to him and his production company. We are offering a full refund to any customer who may hold tickets to an upcoming performance, and apologize in advance for any inconvenience. All future shows have been canceled. Per our policy, we will not be providing any further comment on what is an ongoing law enforcement matter.”
Rouven's show was titled "Illusions." The show debuted at the Tropicana in November 2014. The show was voted "Best Magic Show in Las Vegas 2015" by the readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal in their annual Best of Las Vegas contest. He began performing on the Las Vegas Strip in 2011.
