Ex-Sun Valley Elementary Teacher Accused Of Possessing Child Pornography
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A former fifth-grade teacher at a Sun Valley elementary school was arrested Tuesday for allegedly possessing child pornography.
Douglas Randolph Collins, 46, of Valencia, was taken into custody at Van Nuys Educational Service Center and jailed on $20,000 bail. He's scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on one felony count of possession of matter depicting a minor in sexual conduct.
Collins taught at Fernangeles Elementary School from 1997 until October 2012, when he was removed from the classroom after allegations surfaced that he ordered child porn on DVDs online and through the mail, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Ex-Sun Valley Elementary Teacher Accused Of Possessing Child Pornography
Although authorities said no students were involved, Los Angeles Unified School District officials notified Fernangeles parents about the arrest through letters and phone calls.
"Parents and guardians entrust their children to LAUSD, and we must take every precaution to ensure their safety at our schools," Superintendent John Deasy said. "No teacher or employee interested in child pornography belongs in the district."
United Teachers Los Angeles, the union that represents LAUSD teachers, issued a statement that said, "UTLA is committed to keeping all students safe and we encourage our members to cooperate with law enforcement as this investigation continues. As teachers and health and human services professionals, we know our students and their parents place their trust in us. We have a duty to uphold that trust."
Collins was placed on compulsory leave Tuesday and the district's board of education will consider his dismissal at a May 14 meeting or possibly sooner.
