Popular New Jersey Teacher Charged With Distributing Child Porn
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A popular teacher at a private school in Hoboken and Jersey City has been arrested, charged with distributing child pornography on the Internet.
As CBS 2's John Slattery has reported, teacher Guy West, 44, appeared before a judge in Newark, N.J., on federal charges Tuesday.
West, who was charged in U.S. District Court, was popular and very well-liked, according to former students who spoke off camera.
West taught as a permanent substitute for some 17 years at a private school, Stevens Cooperative School, which has a campus in Jersey City, as well as in nearby Hoboken.
West lived in this home in Jersey City, where a next door neighbor, who didn't want herself identified, said she's known West for years.
"I was shocked, because he was a nice person," one woman said. "I always talk, hello and goodbye. I never thought he was that type of person."
The FBI executed a search warrant at West's apartment, where agents allegedly seized evidence that contained numerous images of child sexual abuse -- including prepubescent minors and showing sadistic or sadomasichistic conduct.
Prosecutors said West was involved in peer-to-peer file sharing, and was discovered by agents working undercover.
In court, a federal prosecutor said West already admitted to some allegations.
Stevens Cooperative School Board Chair Jan Abernathy released a statement: "The FBI agents said that Mr. West's alleged activities did not appear to involve students at Stevens. Mr. West has been placed on leave, pending further developments in the investigation."
West's federal defender would not discuss the case except to say he didn't expect to continue as counsel.
West was remanded until his next court appearance, at which time he is likely to enter a plea with his own attorney.
Prosecutors said while the raid turned up numerous disturbing images, West has no prior criminal record.
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