An Albemarle County fifth grade teacher has been arrested on two felony charges of possessing and distributing child pornography.
Nicholas “Nick” J. Clark, 29, of Charlottesville, is being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail without bond.
According to an online staff directory, Clark is a classroom teacher at Woodbrook Elementary School.
Albemarle County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew S. Haas confirmed the arrest in a message to families and staff.
“This news is deeply troubling,” Haas wrote. “I know it may raise questions and concerns across our school community.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. All teachers in Albemarle County Public Schools undergo required background checks prior to employment. This includes a Virginia State Police criminal history check and a central registry search for child abuse and neglect. This teacher completed all required background screenings prior to employment.”
The message had a greater reach than intended. One parent told AFP that their 12 year old came home asking “what’s child porn?”
While the original message was intended for parents, guardians and caregivers, all ACPS students in grades 6 through 12 inadvertently received the email. Haas said in a second email that he was “sorry for this mistake.”
“I want to apologize for having that information shared directly with students,” Haas said, blaming the communications staff for using a families list that included the children. “We believe in maintaining open dialogue with families so you can engage with your child’s learning; however I would never wish to overstep and engage students in issues that are clearly outside the scope of their educational needs.”
Counselors and support staff are available at all schools to support students.
The arrest followed a tip to the Internet Crimes Against Children task force for Southern Virginia.
The investigation is ongoing. ACPS “is cooperating fully” with law enforcement, Haas said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Albemarle County Police Department’s criminal investigations division at (434) 296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at (434) 977-4000.
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Crystal Graham
