A Newton schoolteacher was arrested on Tuesday for possession of child pornography and later arraigned that day in Brighton District Court, according to a Boston Herald report.
David Ettlinger, a 34-year-old Brighton resident, teaches second grade at Underwood Elementary School and has worked for the Newton school system for 12 years.
Early that morning at Ettlinger’s home on Commonwealth Avenue, police found images of minors in a sexual context on his computer after obtaining a search warrant obtained through a federal investigation, according to a press release issued by the Suffolk County District Attorney.
“Child pornography documents and memorializes child sexual abuse, one of the cruelest and most disturbing offenses we prosecute,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley in the release. “Those who possess it are supporting the rape and exploitation of innocents who are helpless to defend themselves.”
The felony carries a punishment of up to five years in prison and his bail was set to $10,000, the statement said.
Police also found the underwear of young girls in Ettlinger’s possession, according to a Jan. 17 CBS Boston article.
Ettlinger pleaded not guilty to the two counts of child pornography charges .
Conley also said evidence suggests that Ettlinger created child pornography, alluding to another charge Ettlinger faces in West Roxbury District Court on Jan. 18, according to the press release.
Police found a video involving a girl also in a sexual situation, according to a Jan. 17 WCBV article. For this charge, Ettlinger is being held without bail.
“Our first priority is ensuring the safety of every child,” said Newton Mayor Setti Warren in a statement to CBS Boston. “If these allegations prove to be true, the suspect detained should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The type of behavior that is alleged has absolutely no place in our community.”
In a news conference on Tuesday, Superintendent of Newton Public Schools David Fleishman said Ettlinger did go through a background check that came back fine, and the school system did not receive reports of any incidents, according to WHDH’s web site.
“The crisis team at Underwood is meeting right now in terms of figuring out how to support students,” Fleishman said. “As you can imagine this is an incredibly upsetting incident.
Fleishman also said anyone with any information should report it to the Suffolk District Attorney’s office or the schools, WHDH reported. Federal authorities also suspect that Ettlinger participated in Louisiana-based enterprises that specialized in child exploitation.
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