Cheltenham May Sever Ties With School Portrait Company Whose Financier Named In Epstein Files

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — The photography company that takes student portraits has come under fire as the school district contemplates severing ties for its reported connection to a financier named in the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Schools Superintendent Brian W. Scriven sent an email to the school community on Friday about concerns raised in the news media regarding reported connections between Lifetouch, the photography company, and the former CEO of a parent company, financier Leon Black.

In the wake of Epstein's 2019 death, prosecutors examined sexual assault claims against one of his most powerful associates: Leon Black, Business Insider recently reported.

The Justice Department's newly released Epstein files show prosecutors looked at allegations from at least four women who accused the billionaire former CEO of Apollo Global Management — the key source of Epstein's wealth in the last decade of his life — of sexual assault and other misconduct, Business Insider said.

"In light of these reports, the district is exploring all options for future student portrait services. In the interim, LifeTouch will take our K-8 photos this spring," the superintendent said in a statement. "We understand that media reports such as these about business associations involving prominent individuals can raise questions for families and staff."

Neither the local Manhattan district attorney's office nor the federal US Attorney's office for the Southern District of New York — the two departments examining the accusations against Black — brought charges against him, Business Insider said.

The superintendent said that Lifetouch has issued a public statement clarifying that it has no operational relationship with Black and that he has no involvement in the company’s day-to-day operations or school photography services.

The company — which takes portraits of students throughout the country — stated that it operates independently under its current corporate structure and leadership. Lifetouch further emphasized its commitment to student privacy protections, strict data security practices, and comprehensive employee background screening procedures.

"At this time, there is no indication of any impact on student safety, district operations, or the services provided in our schools. Nevertheless, we are conducting appropriate due diligence consistent with policies," Scriven said.

Parents/guardians are able to opt children out of photos by speaking with the school principal, the superintendent said.

Additionally, you can get information regarding how to request that LifeTouch delete your child(ren)’s images by visiting https://schools.lifetouch.com/lifetouch-faq/.

"We recognize that families may have questions, and we are committed to transparency," Scriven said. "We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates if new, relevant information emerges."