School Employee Faces Child Pornography Charges

Scott Peeler works for the Southbridge Public Schools in Massachusetts

53-year-old Southbridge Middle School teacher Scott Peeler faces child pornography charges after he was arrested by federal agents at his Worcester, Massachusetts, home Tuesday morning as neighbors watched in shock.

"I saw all kinds of trucks and cars and they were taking stuff out of his house, which I understand it's a big mess," Peeler's neighbor Sally Duquette said.

"Anything with kids is inexcusable, obviously the guy's sick I guess, terrible, terrible thing," another neighbor, Diane Hehir, added.

Investigators allege Peeler attempted at least four times to purchase live webcam sex shows involving Filipino children ages four to 14 years old.

The U.S. Attorney's office alleges that when confronted by officers, Peeler allegedly admitted that he was the user the Yahoo! email account and instant messaging system used to solicit the videos, but allegedly claimed he had never purchased any videos.

Investigators say an initial review of Peeler's computer did find child pornography.

"We don't want someone like that around our children, it's just totally disgusting," said Southbridge parent Yajaria Rosario.

The Superintendent of Southbridge Public Schools said the school department is "extremely alarmed" by these charges and they have placed Peeler on administrative leave.

Students who had Peeler as a math teacher and their parents were stunned by the allegations.

"This is totally shocking I didn't see it coming at all. He didn't seem anything creepy, nothing like that," explained former student Rachel Davis.

"He was an okay teacher, you'd never think he'd be the one to do that," added former student Bryanna Colon said.

"He seemed like a nice guy he seemed down to earth, little did I know," a parent, Tammy Connolly, concluded.

Statement from the Superintendent: 

"Today the Southbridge Public Schools was made aware of Federal charges involving a school department employee. The Department of Justice informed the School Department that the employee was being charged with attempting to purchase live video sex shows involving Filipino children. The School Department is extremely alarmed by these charges and has taken immediate steps to ensure the safety of our students. We have placed the employee on administrative leave, ensured that the employee is not currently involved in any summer programming, and have requested a no trespass order through the police department. In addition, we are cooperating fully with all Federal and local law enforcement agencies as this investigation continues. There will be a community meeting at the Southbridge Middle/High School next week with local and federal law enforcement agencies to answer questions from parents, teachers and community members." 

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