Pasco County music teacher arrested on child porn possession charges

A Pasco County elementary school teacher is facing multiple charges for possession and transmission of child pornography, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

The attorney general confirmed that 53-year-old Joseph Watson was arrested after an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation began on May 9 when FDLE agents got a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children about someone sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Investigators connected Watson to the account, claiming that he received and shared two files on social media showing child sex abuse material.

FDLE says Watson later admitted to the crimes during an interview at Oakstead Elementary School, where he worked as a music teacher. He reportedly has more than 25 years of experience teaching music to elementary and middle school students in Florida.

Uthmeier said Watson is also a leader in a local church choir and was involved in the church’s summer youth program.

Watson was arrested and charged with two felony counts each of possession of child sexual abuse material, electronic in-state transmission of obscene material and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Видео Pasco County music teacher arrested on child porn possession charges канала 10 Tampa Bay