Pennsbury Music Teacher Had 'Thousands' Of Child Porn Images: DA

Updated: 12:38 p.m. Tuesday

LANGHORNE, PA —A Pennsbury School District music instructor has been charged with possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography, authorities said.

Christopher Bygott, 47, of Hamilton, N.J., surrendered to authorities Tuesday morning on charges of possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility, both felonies, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office said.

On Dec. 13, Bucks County Detectives interviewed Bygott at the Pennsbury High School East campus in Falls Township.

A forensic examination of his cellphone led to the discovery of 2,000 images and videos of Child Sex Abuse Materials that depicted sexual acts with children of various ages.

Pennsbury Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith said that Tuesday that authorities do not believe that any Pennsbury students were involved in these alleged activities.

"We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they conduct a thorough investigation," Smith said. "We will also be conducting a full internal investigation."

Bygott was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Jan Vislosky and was released on $250,000 unsecured bail, with the conditions that he has no contact with any minors, have no internet usage, and surrender his passport.

The investigation by detectives with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office began on Dec. 5 after two CyberTips were submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The CyberTips were linked to an IP address, which was used to upload the Child Sex Abuse Materials (CSAM) files into an Amazon Photos account. Bucks County Detectives received subscriber information from Amazon.com Inc., which identified the subscriber as Bygott.

Further investigation linked the IP address to the Pennsbury School District. During their investigation, Bucks County Detectives learned that Bygott is employed by the school district as curriculum coordinator for instrumental music.

Smith said that upon receiving the notification from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, the district took immediate action.

He said that Bygott was placed on unpaid administrative leave, banned from all district properties and district activities, and has been instructed not to communicate with any district staff, students, or families.

"Due to the ongoing police investigation, we cannot share further details at this time," Smith said.

He said that Bygott had an active and fully cleared PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History, FBI Criminal Background History, and all other required clearances on file with the district at all
times during employment like any employee the district hires.