An elementary school physical education teacher in Ohio Federal child pornography charges After FBI agents found him with a naked girl in a hotel room late last month. He appears to be 5 or 6 years old..
According to federal court documents, 44-year-old Mark Altherr is accused of making more than 260 posts on pedophile websites over the past three years.
The district immediately placed him on administrative leave.
Altherr had worked for the Oak Hills School District since 2019, officials said.
The suspect is said to have written on the website about his sexual abuse of a 10-year-old neighbour, an eight-year-old who he said had a “favourite” for him, and a four-year-old child in his care.
FBI officials said they learned of Altherr’s identity while monitoring posts on a pedophile website and discovered he worked at Delshire Elementary School.
Court Documents Said Officers went to his home but were unable to find him. A call on his cell phone revealed he was in a public location in Columbus. Officers tracked him to a hotel where they allegedly found him in a room with the girl. Altherr was arrested on July 26 after investigators began their search and determined he likely posted at least one explicit photo of him in a room with the girl on a website. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported..
More from the paper:
The agents obtained the room number from hotel staff and knocked on the door to announce their arrival. According to the documents, Altherr opened the door, saw the agents and attempted to close it. Agents were able to intercept him and arrest him.
The FBI later seized two USB drives from his Derry Township home that contained videos and images depicting child sexual abuse, according to court documents.
Altherr was charged with one federal count each of possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography, both of which carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison if convicted.
The school district immediately placed him on administrative leave and said the allegations were serious enough to initiate termination proceedings.
“The Oak Hills School District is working closely with and fully cooperating with the FBI and law enforcement on this ongoing investigation,” district officials said in a statement. “As more information becomes available and as legally permitted, we will provide updates to families and the community.”
WCPO Television Published Video report including photos of Altherr’s arrest.
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censorship and sign up for our newsletter to receive stories like this directly to your inbox. Register here!
