Westchester Middle School Employee Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse Materials

A cafeteria worker from a Westchester Middle School has been arrested after disturbing evidence emerged. Authorities say Francis John Teeling, 69, was found with alarming videos and images of children, some potentially as young as five, engaged in sexual acts.

Teeling, who worked at Lakefield Copper Beech Middle School within the Lakeland School District, allegedly uploaded and stored inappropriate child pornography featuring young girls, according to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.

“Those involved in the possession or distribution of child sexual abuse materials should not think their actions are hidden from law enforcement,” stated Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace. “As the new school year approaches, it’s vital for parents to stay alert and keep a close eye on their children’s social media and online activities.”

According to reports, Teeling uploaded files depicting girls aged 7 to 10 in sexual acts to Microsoft Bing. Additionally, police discovered files involving girls aged 5 to 8 at his home in Shrub Oak.

He was arrested by Yorktown police on Tuesday and appeared in Yorktown Municipal Court. Teeling faces charges of felony possession and promotion of lewd sexual conduct by a child, which could result in a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison.

Currently, Teeling has pleaded not guilty and is being held on varying bail amounts totaling $10,000 in cash, $25,000 in cash bail, and a partially secured bond of $50,000.

The investigation was conducted by the District Attorney’s High-Tech Crimes Unit, following a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the New York State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The Westchester Prosecutor’s Office has chosen not to release further details at this time. Meanwhile, the Yorktown Police Department has not yet commented on the situation.

Teeling is slated to return to court on September 22.