Southbridge math teacher arrested on federal child porn charges - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

WORCESTER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- An eighth grade math teacher at the Southbridge Middle School was arrested in Worcester in connection with federal child pornography charges on Tuesday morning.

Scott Peeler was arrested at his home on Trinity Avenue in Worcester and is charged with multiple counts related to child pornography, including attempted receipt of child pornography and attempted enticement and coercion of a minor.

In a 40-page affidavit filed by the FBI, Peeler allegedly used Yahoo! Messenger to talk about paying for webcam online shows that depicted young Filipino girls engaging in lewd acts.

>>Read the full affidavit here. WARNING: Contains graphic descriptions<<

On at least four locations between 2013 and 2014, Peeler allegedly tried to pay for live streaming sex shows that involved children who ranged from four to 14 years old. Peeler also allegedly had pornographic images of minors on his computer when law enforcement executed a search warrant.

Law enforcement agents also removed a computer from the school.

According to a statement from the US Attorney's office, the international investigation, which began as tips to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, led to the arrest of the leaders of  the child sex trafficking organization in the Philippines. The children being exploited have been rescued.

Peeler also has a young child, according to the affidavit, and police were called to his home last October in response to a claim of "custodial interference."

The counts Peeler has been charged with carry jail time of up to life in prison, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. He appeared in Worcester on Tuesday and was ordered held until Thursday for his next court hearing.

School officials held a news conference on Wednesday, saying they have placed Peeler on administrative leave. A no trespass order has also been requested. The superintendent said that currently there is no indication Peeler had inappropriate involvement with any Southbridge students.

Town Manager Kevin Paicos says they conducted a criminal background check when Peeler was hired in 2005, and nothing came up. No complaints had ever been filed against him, Paicos said.

A community meeting will be held at the middle/high school next Wednesday. Federal agents will be available to answer questions that parents may have.