North Penn Teacher Solicited Sexual Photos From Young Girls On Snapchat: Authorities

LANSDALE, PA — An elementary school teacher in the North Penn School District created a fake Snapchat account pretending to be a teen in order to solicit sexual photos from underage girls, according to federal authorities and the school district.

Eric Sanville, 39, of Norwood in Delaware County, was a teacher at Gwynedd Square Elementary School. A LinkedIn profile indicates he has worked there since 2017.

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NBC Philadelphia reported that the investigation began in July when Snapchat reported suspicious accounts they believed were targeting young girls. The FBI was then able to trace the IP address of the accounts to Sanville's home.

"We recognize that this news is deeply concerning for our entire community and may be particularly upsetting for families whose children had direct contact with this staff member," North Penn Superintendent Todd M. Bauer shared in an email sent to school parents. "We encourage you to speak with your child in a manner you feel is appropriate and to listen carefully if they have any questions or concerns."

Bauer said that authorities had not uncovered evidence that indicated that children at Gwynedd Square or in the nearby area were targeted.

Sanville was arrested at his Delaware County home Thursday.

The district is working with law enforcement on the ongoing investigation.

Sanville has been charged with numerous child pornography counts.

A preliminary hearing is forthcoming.