School Employee Arrested on Child Porn Charges

A 32-year-old South Florida school employee was arrested for child pornography charges on February 21. He has since bonded out of jail. He has also been fired from his job.

The man could be seen walking out of the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade on the afternoon of February 23. He had appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court the day before. The man declined to comment on his charges.

The man was employed as a technology director at Pinecrest Cove Academy when he was arrested on numerous child pornography charges. However, he is no longer employed at the charter school. The man was charged with six counts of possession of sexual performance by a child and one count of promoting or attempting to promote sexual performance by a child.

The man’s bond was set at $35,000. He was ordered to stay away from the charter school. When asked if he had something to say to the parents of the children who attend Pinecrest Cove Academy, he remained silent.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children began their investigation after receiving a tip about the man’s activities. The man was identified and questioned. He admitted to viewing and sending child porn to himself while on the job. He worked in a private office and allegedly only accessed the material while at work.

Sheriff’s deputies searched the man’s office and found a desktop computer and a USB hub labeled “MY STUFF.” There were multiple folders containing sexually explicit images of children. There was also a folder labeled “RANDOM GIRLS,” which contained multiple files of child porn.

The man voluntarily signed a consent form allowing investigators to access his USB drive. There were videos of children as young as 4 years old.

At the court hearing, the man’s attorney requested a lower bond, arguing that his client is not a flight risk. None of the alleged evidence ties the man to any students at the school.

The man’s family attended the hearing. Some of his relatives live near a nursery and are considering relocating.

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

Child pornography is growing in popularity, but viewing and distributing it is not legal. Those who do can ruin their careers and other aspects of their lives.

Arrested on child porn charges? What you say or do can be used against you. Avoid common mistakes by contacting a Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. Schedule a consultation with our office today by filling out the online form or calling (352) 505-1799.

Source:

wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/former-pinecrest-cove-academy-employee-bonds-out-after-arrest-on-child-porn-charges/