Elementary School, Bible School Teacher Facing Child Porn Charges

Possessing and viewing child porn is often seen as a shocking crime, especially among teachers and church leaders.  A Pasco County man who served as an elementary school teacher and summer Bible school teacher is facing several criminal charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement began investigating this case after agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Investigators found out that the man was the potential owner of a social media account that contained illegal material.

Agents met with the man at Oakstead Elementary School, where he worked as a music teacher for 24 years. He also worked as a summer Bible school teacher at Grace Lutheran Church in Carrollwood.

Agents interviewed the man, who admitted to owning the account that sent and received the child pornography. It is not believed that the man’s actions involved any children at the school or  church. There is also no evidence that he produced the content himself.

Pasco County school officials have informed the parents and students of the arrest. They have been asked to reach out if they have any concerns about the man’s behavior around their child. The man has been an employee of Pasco County schools since 2001.

A spokesperson for the school district says that the safety and well-being of the students are top priorities. Law enforcement and Employee Relations are involved and the man was immediately banned from the school campus. He will have no further contact with students.

The pastor at Grace Lutheran Church is disappointed in the man’s actions. The church is committed to the safety and well-being of all members, especially the children. There is no evidence that the man had any direct individual interaction with any of the youth.

If convicted, the man faces up to 45 years in prison. He is currently being held in the Pasco County Jail. He faces multiple chargers, including two counts of child porn possession, two counts of child porn promotion, and two counts of use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. There could be more charges to come, as investigators are still downloading images off of the man’s devices.

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

Child porn charges cause a lot of anger and frustration to communities, especially when respected, longtime teachers are the ones involved. Because of this and the possible long-term damage to the children involved, these crimes are taken seriously and punished accordingly.

Downloading and saving child porn images can lead to decades in prison. Protect yourself with help from a Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. Contact us and see how we can defend you. Fill out the online form or call (352) 505-1799 to schedule a consultation with our office.

Source:

fox13news.com/news/24-year-pasco-county-school-employee-arrested-child-porn-charges-fdle