Authorities Investigate Ex-Principal's Computer for Child Porn (NJ)

NJ101.5 ^ | Tuesday, January 23, 2007

[Calpernia]

The ex-principal of Teaneck High School, already facing charges that he engaged in sexual conduct and conversation with a student, may face more charges if questionable photos on his computer are child pornography, authorities said.

Joseph White, 61, has been charged with official misconduct and endangering the welfare. The charges stem from accusations that he had sexually explicit conversations in May and June of 2006 with a 17-year-old boy in his office, including one incident where White is alleged to have asked the boy to expose himself and to take his pants off in return for a recommendation.

In the course of that investigation, White's home computer, several discs and other hardware were seized, The Record of Bergen County reported in Tuesday newspapers.

"We found over 600 images of gay porn, including 15 that are questionable," Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Patricia Baglivi told a judge in Hackensack.

Baglivi said 15 images are clearly of teens, and detectives are trying to determine whether they are under the age of 16. If they are deemed underage, White could face fourth-degree charges of possession of child pornography, she said.

To determine the age of the subjects, the questionable images will be inspected by doctors.

White retired a week after his arrest in June. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the misconduct charges. He is scheduled to return to court on the current charges March 5.

White has faced charges before concerning sex acts and children. In 2003, a jury cleared White of charges he fondled a teenage boy whom he and his wife had taken in and were planning to adopt. He had been suspended from his job with pay after being charged 13 months earlier but returned to his job after the verdict.

[Calpernia]

Ping

[Calpernia]

ping