JERSEY CITY, NJ — A teacher at Snyder High School in Jersey City was arrested last month for having child sex abuse videos, according to court documents.
Alton F. Brown was arrested in Jersey City on Sept. 8 after Google sent a tip to state police, saying a user had uploaded and stored images and videos of child sex abuse, according to a police complaint obtained by Patch.
Jersey City Schools Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez told Patch that Brown was placed on leave immediately after the arrest.
According to court documents, on Aug. 3, a state police detective began investigating images and videos connected with a certain email and phone number, which was ultimately traced to Brown.
Among the images was a 42-second video of a naked prepubescent boy lying on his back, "wearing bondage style handcuffs and a ball gag," and engaging in sexual activity with an adult, according to the police complaint.
Police searched Brown's Jersey City home last month and arrested him, at which time he invoked his rights, the report says.
Police seized two of Brown's cell phones, the report says.
According to the complaint, Brown had a total of 42 child sex abuse image files.
Brown was charged with possessing, viewing, or controlling child sex abuse material.
On Leave With Pay
Brown is still being paid, because state law says he must be paid until formally indicted, the superintendent said.
"Upon receiving notification of the allegations from the New Jersey Department of Education's Office of Student Protection, the District immediately placed the employee on administrative leave and revoked all access to district facilities, electronic networks, and learning platforms," Fernandez said.
She added, "The individual has not been active in his role during the current academic year. As student safety and well-being remain our highest priorities, the District will cooperate fully with law enforcement. Because this concern involves an ongoing law enforcement inquiry and a confidential personnel issue, the District will refrain from offering additional comments at this time."
Jersey City has six regular public high schools and several charter high schools. Snyder is located in the Greenville section of the city.
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