A Queens elementary school teacher has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly collecting and distributing child pornography while teaching first-grade students.
Christopher Ward, 37, who taught at Hunters Point Elementary School in Queens, was taken into custody after his family handed over his phone to authorities. According to prosecutors, relatives had recorded him admitting to the crimes before contacting law enforcement.
Investigators allege Ward used a messaging app to share hundreds of explicit images of children under the age of 12 over the course of at least a year. Court filings state he distributed illicit material on more than 30 occasions.
The Department of Education described the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and confirmed Ward is no longer employed at the school.
Ward was arraigned this week and pleaded not guilty to charges of receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He is being held in custody ahead of his next court appearance scheduled for October 2.
