Bronx High School Teacher Charged With Possession And Distribution Of Child Pornography

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of JONATHAN SCHWEITZER for possession and distribution of child pornography.  SCHWEITZER was arrested today and presented before United States Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Jonathan Schweitzer received, possessed, and distributed child pornography, including depictions of young children.  The allegations are particularly disturbing in light of Schweitzer’s position as a school teacher.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect children.”

Special Agent-in Charge Angel M. Melendez said:  “Schweitzer works in a position of trust, responsible for teaching the young people of New York City for more than a decade.  Yet, he is alleged to have shared and received child pornography in various dark-web chatrooms.  The abuse and exploitation of children for viewing pleasure is abhorrent, and we will seek to arrest those predators so that they face justice for their actions.”

Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “This individual allegedly violated his professional trust as a teacher to commit one of the most heinous crimes imaginable.  I’d like to thank our local, state and federal law enforcement partners involved in this case for their hard work and diligence to ensure that those allegedly responsible for these egregious offenses are held accountable for their actions.” 

According to the allegations in the Complaint filed today[1]:

Between at least February 2019 and March 2019, SCHWEITZER, who is employed as a teacher at a high school located in the Bronx, used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to share approximately 10 unique video files known to contain child pornography.  The child pornography included depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with other children or adults.  On April 3, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at SCHWEITZER’S apartment and recovered his laptop computer, which contained numerous files containing child pornography.

SCHWEITZER, 41, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Mr. Berman praised the New York City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations for their outstanding investigative work. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Espinosa is in charge of the prosecution.