Elementary Teacher Accused Of Having Child Porn: UPDATE

WAPPINGER, NY — The superintendent of the Wappinger Central School District said the district was conducting an investigation into the charges filed against Fishkill Plains Elementary School teacher Steven Schwartz, who was arrested Friday to possessing child pornography.

Superintendent José L. Carrion said the the district has also been cooperating and working closely with the New York State Police on these matters.

”Mr. Schwartz remains on administrative leave where he will remain pending the conclusion of the district’s investigation,” Carrion said. “As this is a personnel matter, the district cannot comment further at this time, but will take all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of its students while respecting the rights of all involved.”

Schwartz, a Poughkeepsie resident, was charged with six counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child, felonies. State Police said the images were contained on personal electronic devices.

Original article:

WAPPINGER, NY — A teacher in the Wappinger Central School District has been arrested on charges of possessing child pornography. State Police said Steven Schwartz, 53, of Poughkeepsie, was charged with six counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child, felonies.

Police said Troopers from the Wappinger barracks began an investigation into inappropriate comments made by a teacher to a student in the school district.

The incident was said to have occurred at Fishkill Plains Elementary School where Schwartz is a teacher.

State Police, in conjunction with the Dutchess County Child Advocacy Center and with the assistance from the school district, said they found that Schwartz had images of child pornography on personally owned electronic devices.

He was arraigned in the Town of Poughkeepsie Court and sent to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond.

Schwartz is next scheduled to appear before the court Feb. 14

Anyone with information concerning this investigation is asked to contact the State Police at 845-677-7300.

Calls and emails requesting a comment from the Wappinger Central School District were not immediately returned.

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