Clark Middle School Teacher Shared Child Porn On Social Media: Prosecutor

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Hillsborough man and Clark Middle School teacher was arrested on Tuesday for having and sharing child sexual abuse material.

Authorities said Matthew Serwedes, 48, of Hillsborough, is currently employed as a teacher at Carl H. Kumpf Middle School in Clark.

A preliminary investigation has not revealed any threats or concerns to Serwedes’ students, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman, Jr. and Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Mike McMahon.

Serwedes was charged with second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse materials and third-degree possession of child sexual abuse materials.

A tip from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force notified the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office prompted an investigation

Detectives assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit identified Serwedes as the suspect responsible for uploading and distributing the files depicting the sexual abuse and/or exploitation of a minor via the social media and messaging platform.

On Feb. 25, authorities conducted a search at Serwedes' home, and electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis.

On Tuesday, Serwedes was taken into custody without incident and taken to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

Serwedes was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing on this matter.

Clark Schools released a statement following the arrest on Tuesday:

"A Clark middle school teacher was arrested this morning at his home in Somerset County, and the District has been informed that he will be charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office has advised the District that there is no reason to believe that the individual who was arrested had involved any Clark students in his activities.

The teacher was immediately suspended, and arrangements are being made to ensure alternate coverage for his classes without interruption.

The District will cooperate fully with any ongoing investigation by law enforcement officials. As this matter involves both an ongoing criminal investigation and a school district personnel issue, the District is prevented from commenting further."

The investigation remains ongoing by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigation Unit.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at 908-369-4323 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.