Teacher arrested on porn charges
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 3:15 AM
By John Futty
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Michael S. Highman is not accused of creating the images.
A Hilliard middle-school teacher has been arrested on federal charges of possessing and distributing child pornography on the Internet.
Michael S. Highman, 43, of Upper Arlington, was placed on paid administrative leave from his job at Weaver Middle School when district officials learned about the investigation Friday, district spokeswoman Carrie Bartunek said yesterday.
He teaches health and physical education and coaches the eighth-grade boys' basketball team at the middle school on Avery Road.
Highman was arrested Monday. Members of the FBI Columbus Cybercrimes Task Force searched his home at 2336 Johnston Rd. on Thursday, FBI special agent Harry Trombitas said.
FBI agents investigating child-pornography Web sites identified Highman as sharing nearly 200,000 images on a site in June, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Agents who searched the house found numerous computers and electronic storage devices with thousands of images and videos of prepubescent boys engaged in sexual acts.
During the search, Highman admitted to agents that he has collected and traded child pornography "for several years," according to an affidavit filed by FBI agent Evan Pridham, a member of the task force.
Highman's Columbus lawyer, Mark C. Collins, said the charges do not include allegations that his client produced any of the images.
"There is no indication of any production or use of any material involving any minors in the central Ohio area," Collins said yesterday.
Hilliard Superintendent Dale A. McVey informed district parents about the charges yesterday in an e-mail, expressing concern about the allegations and saying that Highman "has been directed to have no contact of any kind with students."
"No evidence has been shared with us that any Hilliard City Schools student is involved in the allegations against Mr. Highman," McVey wrote.
Highman was in federal court on Monday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King released him on electronic monitoring pending indictment.
"He is cooperating with local law enforcement and the U.S. attorney's office in every respect," Collins said.
Distribution of child pornography is punishable by at least five years and up to 20 years in prison. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
jfutty@dispatch.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 3:15 AM
By John Futty
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Michael S. Highman is not accused of creating the images.
A Hilliard middle-school teacher has been arrested on federal charges of possessing and distributing child pornography on the Internet.
Michael S. Highman, 43, of Upper Arlington, was placed on paid administrative leave from his job at Weaver Middle School when district officials learned about the investigation Friday, district spokeswoman Carrie Bartunek said yesterday.
He teaches health and physical education and coaches the eighth-grade boys' basketball team at the middle school on Avery Road.
Highman was arrested Monday. Members of the FBI Columbus Cybercrimes Task Force searched his home at 2336 Johnston Rd. on Thursday, FBI special agent Harry Trombitas said.
FBI agents investigating child-pornography Web sites identified Highman as sharing nearly 200,000 images on a site in June, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Agents who searched the house found numerous computers and electronic storage devices with thousands of images and videos of prepubescent boys engaged in sexual acts.
During the search, Highman admitted to agents that he has collected and traded child pornography "for several years," according to an affidavit filed by FBI agent Evan Pridham, a member of the task force.
Highman's Columbus lawyer, Mark C. Collins, said the charges do not include allegations that his client produced any of the images.
"There is no indication of any production or use of any material involving any minors in the central Ohio area," Collins said yesterday.
Hilliard Superintendent Dale A. McVey informed district parents about the charges yesterday in an e-mail, expressing concern about the allegations and saying that Highman "has been directed to have no contact of any kind with students."
"No evidence has been shared with us that any Hilliard City Schools student is involved in the allegations against Mr. Highman," McVey wrote.
Highman was in federal court on Monday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King released him on electronic monitoring pending indictment.
"He is cooperating with local law enforcement and the U.S. attorney's office in every respect," Collins said.
Distribution of child pornography is punishable by at least five years and up to 20 years in prison. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
jfutty@dispatch.com
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