The U.S. Attorney’s office says that a Brockport kindergarten teacher is facing child pornography charges.
30 year old Roland Yockel II of Hilton was arrested after Homeland Security agents in Arizona heard from investigators in New Zealand. That investigation identified individuals who utilized an Internet based application to receive and distribute child pornography.
Federal authorities say an IP address was traced back to Yockel, and they say a search warrant at his residence turned up numerous videos and images of child pornography.
Officials say Yockel lives in the same house as his parents and siblings and they say his parents provide babysitting services there.
U.S. Attorney James Kennedy says given Yockel’s access to children, they are seeking the public’s help in determining whether there are additional victims.
The Brockport Central School District released this statement:
"Law enforcement has confirmed that on November 21 kindergarten teacher Roland Yockel was charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. We want to assure our parents that we take all staff allegations seriously and remain committed to upholding our core belief of providing a healthy, safe and secure learning environment in the Brockport Central School District. Mr. Yockel was immediately placed on administrative leave and a substitute teacher was secured.
Student safety is our top priority. We have no reason to believe that the arrest has any connection to his employment with the district or that student safety was compromised, however incidents such as this impact the school community and the district has made support available for students, staff and families.
Representatives from Bivona Child Advocacy Center will be on campus today to offer tips and answer questions regarding how to talk to children about this matter. An informational session will be held for staff first, followed by an informational session for parents from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m at the Ginther School. Counselors will also be available during these sessions, as well as on Monday when students return to school.
We have and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement during this investigation."
