Child Porn Charges Filed Against AACPS Teaching Assistant: Police

MILLERSVILLE, MD — An Anne Arundel County Public Schools teaching assistant has been arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and with intent to distribute. Investigators said they do not believe any students at Ruth Parker Eason Elementary, where the suspect is employed, are in the pornographic images officers obtained.

Anne Arundel County Police began investigating Stephen Michael Maceiko, 48, of the 7700 block of Dorsey Road in Hanover, in January 2019 after receiving a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an account had been uploading child porn to a website.

Detectives executed a search warrant at Maceiko's home and while interviewing him, officers learned that Maceiko was working at Ruth Parker Eason School in Millersville. The Anne Arundel County Public School's board of education was notified of the ongoing investigation and Maceiko was removed from his post so that he could not have contact with children.

Bob Mosier, chief communications officer for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, told Patch that Maceiko was removed from his teaching assistant position "immediately upon our school system receiving the first allegation last May.

"Since that time, he has been working in a position in which he has no contact with students," Mosier said. "Like all employees, Mr. Maceiko is entitled to due process. We will take further action with regard to his employment status as soon as administratively possible."

Ruth Parker Eason School Principal Amy M. Guerke posted a letter on the school's website noting that Maceiko was immediately removed from the school once officials learned of the allegations and while he again working at the school, he has no contact with students.

"I met with our staff earlier today to talk with them about these charges. As a group of people who care so passionately for every one of our students, we are collectively very troubled by this case," Guerke wrote. "My promise to you is simple: As a team, our staff will rally and persevere. We will continue to put your children first and continue to care for them to the best of our ability, just as we do every single day. I ask you to continue to help us in that mission. Please continue to communicate with our team about your children. Together, we will continue to do great things for them. Thank you for your continued partnership."

Several of Maceiko's electronic devices were seized and examined by the Anne Arundel County Digital Forensics Lab, which confirmed he was in possession of videos and images depicting child pornography.

Maceiko was arrested Oct. 15 and charged with five counts of promotion/distribution of child pornography and 13 counts of possession of child pornography.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department asks that anyone with information about the Maceiko case contact the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733. Callers can also remain anonymous by contacting the Anne Arundel County Tip Line 410-222-4700.