Former Orange County Substitute Teacher Faces Child Porn Charges

You may not expect a teacher to engage in crimes against children, particularly ones that involve sexually explicit content, but it happens a lot. In Florida, many teachers and others who work with children have been charged with child pornography crimes.

The latest person to get arrested was a substitute teacher. The man was recently arrested on four counts of child porn possession and transmission.

The man worked as a substitute teacher at Walker Middle School in Pine Castle. However, an Orange County school spokesperson said the man was never employed by the school district, stating that substitutes are contractors who are employed through a third-party vendor.

Orlando Police Department detectives executed a search warrant to search specific Snapchat accounts. This led to the man’s arrest. They also found sexual conversations between the former teacher and a young girl who stated in the chat that she was 15 years old. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the crimes were allegedly committed between September 17, 2024 and September 11, 2025, so they lasted approximately one year.

The man has been arrested on two counts of child porn transmission via electronic device or equipment, and two counts of unlawful pornography possession depicting sexual performance by a child.

What is Transmission of Child Pornography by Electronic Device or Equipment in Florida?

The law is found in Florida Statutes, Chapter 847, Section 0137: “Transmission of pornography by electronic device or equipment prohibited.” “Transmit” includes the acts of sending or causing to be delivered any image, information, or data over or through any medium, including the Internet or any interconnected network, using any electronic equipment or device. It also includes providing access that allows the other person to receive the material.

“Child pornography” includes images depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct. It also refers to images created or modified to depict a minor in sexual conduct. 

The law prohibits someone from transmitting child pornography to another person by electronic means. It does not matter whether the recipient lives in Florida or outside of the state; it is still a crime. This law also applies to someone outside Florida who transmits child pornography to someone in Florida, if the sender knew what they were transmitting.

Transmission of child pornography by electronic device or equipment is classified as a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony in Florida generally carries up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Also, conviction for this kind of offense will likely require registration as a sex offender, which can affect jobs, housing, and other social aspects.

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

Child porn crimes are punished severely. Police will scrutinize teachers and others who work with children, as there will be questions about whether any students are victims.

A Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit understands the consequences. We will defend you from the charges you face. Fill out the online form or call (352) 505-1799 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

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