Indiana County teacher facing child porn charges

DERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A teacher in the Homer-Center School District in Indiana County is facing child porn charges.

Charles Kirkland, 31, is charged with felony child pornography, disseminating photo/film of child sex acts, criminal use of communication facility.

State police received a Cyber Tipline Report through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to a release from the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.

Google reported suspected child pornography videos on a user’s account. The DA’s office said investigators identified the videos, and traced them back to Kirkland.

State troopers reported that some, if not all of the videos, depicted children under the age of 18, according to the DA’s office.

Search warrants led police to Kirkland’s home in Derry Township, where he was arrested.

Kirkland was arraigned Mondy and released on $10,000 unsecured bond. He is due in court for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 21.

Ralph J. Cecere Jr., Homer-Center Superintendent of Schools, sent the following statement to Channel 11:

“On Sunday, December 11, 2022, The District was made aware one of our professional employees was charged with several felonies of the 3rd degree. At this point in time, it does not appear these events transpired or were connected with the District in any way. Nevertheless, The District has taken steps to ensure a safe campus and is working with local and state representatives to thoroughly investigate this matter. We will continue to work with all agencies cooperatively. Whereas this is a personnel matter, the District will not be able to release information or speak on this matter at this time. The District is ready and prepared to assist any stakeholders who believe they have information needing to be shared. The community should know the district takes this matter incredibly seriously and will adhere to the Pennsylvania School Code and School District Policies in all regards.”

Cecere does not believe what happened is connected to the district in any way.

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