Bethesda Phys Ed Teacher Faces Child Pornography Charges

BETHESDA, MD — A physical education teacher at Ashburton Elementary School in Bethesda was arrested and charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography, police announced Tuesday.

Daemon Alan Dartouzos, of Germantown, was arrested after the county's Child Exploitation Unit and the FBI executed a search warrant on his home and found underage pornography, according to Montgomery County police and school officials.

In a letter to Ashburton parents and students, Principal Gregory Mullenholz said Dartouzos was placed on administrative leave in January following the search of his home.

"The alleged behavior by Mr. Dartouzos is extremely concerning," Mullenholz wrote. "These charges represent a violation of our school’s core values and the values of our Montgomery County community."

Mullenholz added that school psychologists, counselors, and pupil personnel will be onsite Wednesday to provide counseling for students.

Police are urging anyone with information about Dartouzos or these incidents to call the county's Child Exploitation Unit at 240-773-5400.