Child Pornography Charges Filed Against HCPSS Teacher: Police

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A special education teacher at Atholton High School in Columbia has been taken into custody by Baltimore County Police, accused of possessing and distributing child pornography.

According to WTOP, Howard County Public School System Superintendent Michael Martirano said in a letter sent to parents that he learned about the arrest Wednesday. Martirano wrote that he was “extremely disturbed as a result of learning of these charges.”

"Our parents entrust us to keep our children safe, and that responsibility is our top priority," Martirano wrote. "Though it's important to allow the legal process to play out, I am extremely disturbed as a result of learning of these charges."

The teacher, Lawrence Costella, 32, of Reisterstown, has been placed on administrative leave and is not allowed on school property, pending the outcome of the investigation and criminal charges, the letter noted.

According to a letter sent to parents by Atholton High School Principal Robert Motley, Costella was in his second year at the school and underwent a criminal background check and fingerprinting prior to being hired, reported FOX5DC.

"He was immediately placed on administrative leave following the announcement of these charges and is not permitted on school property pending the outcome of the investigation and criminal case," Motley said, adding that a substitute will take over Costella's classroom until further notice.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Baltimore County Police at 410-887-2222.