Fairfield Man, A School Worker, Possessed Child Pornography, Cops Say

FAIRFIELD, CT — A 23-year-old Fairfield man — who police said is an employee of Fairfield Public Schools — was arrested on a warrant Tuesday charging him with first-degree possession of child pornography.

Peter Wheeler, Jr. was developed as a suspect by the Fairfield Police Department Investigative Division following a tip received by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit. During the "exhaustive investigation," Fairfield police executed "numerous search and seizure warrants."

The amount of illegal materials Wheeler is accused of possessing was not disclosed. The investigation of Wheeler began in November.

"The investigation also revealed that Wheeler was an employee of the Fairfield Public School system," Fairfield Police Sgt. Michael Stahl said in a statement. "The Fairfield Public School administration was notified once this information was confirmed earlier this month. Wheeler was removed from having any further interactions with students and staff immediately, and not permitted into any buildings."

Wheeler is the second Fairfield man arrested on a child pornography charge in a month. In December, Matthew Wood, 50, was arrested on the same charge by Stratford police, with assistance from Fairfield police.

Fairfield police raided Wheeler's home earlier this month, and seized "several digital devices," which were searched.

"The examination of these devices revealed evidence supporting a charge of possession of child pornography," Stahl said, adding that Wheeler "has been cooperative throughout the entire investigation."

Wheeler is being held in lieu of bail of $250,000, and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Feb. 6.

"The safety and well-being of our residents, especially our children, is our top priority," said Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras in a statement. "The Fairfield Police Department is committed to working tirelessly to investigate and address any actions that threaten the safety of our community, particularly those involving individuals in positions of trust. We appreciate the collaboration with the Fairfield Public Schools and our law enforcement partners in this matter and are committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency."