13 Jan Substitute teacher accused of internet crimes involving children

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Internet Crimes on Monday, January 13, 2014.

When a teacher is accused of exploiting children, it can have dire consequences on his or her future. Any Maryland teacher who is found guilty of internet crimes may be suspended and restricted from future employment within the schooling system. Before teachers or substitute teachers are employed, thorough background checks are usually undertaken.

A substitute teacher at a school in a nearby county was recently accused of such internet crimes. Internet authorities advised local police that numerous images, of a pornographic nature, were uploaded onto a public internet site. The origin of the uploads was identified to be the personal computer of the teacher, as well as the computer network of the school where he was teaching.

No evidence that any of the images, which are suspected to be of a sexual nature, included any of the students attending the school where this happened. An investigation to determine whether any of this school’s students were victimized was ongoing. The teacher was suspended, and the police charged him for possessing child pornography.

Although public opinion may deem the accused as guilty long before the trial, a person who is accused of internet crimes may want to explore his or her available legal options. This may also serve as preparation of the legal processes that will follow. The defendant retains the right to negotiate a plea agreement with authorities to ensure the best outcome for him or herself. The accused should understand that only once sufficient evidence is offered to prove guilt beyond any doubt will the Maryland court render a guilty verdict.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, Howard Co. teacher charged with possession of child porn, Luke Lavoie and Sara Toth, Jan. 10, 2014