HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of a retired elementary school teacher in the Berwick Area School District for possession of child pornography. David Shields, 65, of Berwick, PA, was arrested yesterday and charged with multiple counts of Sexual Abuse of Children and one count of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility.
In February 2019, the Office of Attorney General received a CyberTip that an electronic service provider discovered that a user had uploaded an image of child pornography. The upload was traced to the home of David Shields, where agents executed a search warrant on April 11. Images of child pornography were found on the defendant’s computer.
“Parents entrusted the defendant—a former teacher—with their children, yet he was engaged in the online exploitation of minors,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “I’m proud of the work of my agents to make sure he will no longer be in a position to take advantage of children. My Office will investigate and prosecute anyone we uncover who sexually abuses children to the fullest extent of the law.”
Shields was arrested and arraigned yesterday in front of Magisterial District Judge Matthew Christopher in Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas. Bail was set at $150,000 and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 23, 2019 at 11 a.m. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones.
Individuals who suspect an online predator or abuse are encouraged to call the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044 or text “PAKIDS” followed by the tip to 847411.
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