Former High School Student Arrested for Child Porn

Child pornography is a crime that knows no bounds. Even high schoolers can be accused of and charged with such a crime.

A former Gulf Breeze High School student, 18-year-old Matthew McChesney, has been arrested on multiple child pornography charges after investigators say he used the social media app Discord to send and receive child sexual abuse material. According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the content involved children ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old.

McChesney was formally charged in July with 20 counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of obscene communication with persons out of state for child pornography. The investigation began months earlier while McChesney was still attending Gulf Breeze High. On May 8, deputies interviewed him at the school, where he allegedly admitted to possessing the material. That same day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home.

The case has prompted outrage among parents, particularly after videos surfaced of McChesney participating in a graduation walk at Gulf Breeze Elementary School while under investigation. There is further controversy considering that his mother, Gulf Breeze Elementary Assistant Principal Kim McChesney, has now been placed on leave. The Santa Rosa County School District is investigating any connection between her son’s actions and school activities.

At a school board meeting, parents demanded answers and accountability. Some expressed anger that McChesney was allowed to participate in school events despite the ongoing investigation. Superintendent Dr. Karen Barber told attendees the district learned the full details of the charges on August 1. She emphasized that the administration was not involved in the sheriff’s ongoing investigation, beyond an initial notification that deputies would be interviewing the student on campus.

Parents were concerned and angered that the district did not know the student was under investigation for child pornography. Not only was it bad judgment, but also an outrageous breach of trust, according to some parents. The superintendent will be holding office hours to speak with concerned parents.

The Santa Rosa County School District issued a statement saying it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff. Some community members are now calling for other administrators to be held accountable for decisions made during the investigation period.

McChesney was held in jail but later released on a $115,000 bond while awaiting trial.

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

Child pornography images and videos can be easy for some to access and view. Even teens can download these images and share them with others.

Many people don’t understand that child porn crimes are taken seriously. A Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit can provide you with an effective defense and help you get through these charges. To schedule a consultation with our office, call (352) 505-1799 or fill out the online form.

Source:

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