Newark police said they have cleared a local educator of any wrongdoing after investigating reports that a local child received sexually explicit material.
In a May 15 news release, the department said it learned April 16 about the child receiving sexual material on Snapchat. The child told police the sender may have been a local educator, according to the release.
Police began investigating and contacted the educator, who they say fully cooperated and voluntarily consented to searches of their electronic devices. Detectives found no evidence that the teacher was involved.
The department did not name the educator or say in what kind of role the person serves.
“The Newark Division of Police is releasing this information after becoming aware of several social media posts that recklessly misidentified the local educator and school system in connection with this case,” the department said. “Detectives conducted a complete and thorough investigation to ensure accurate information was obtained, innocent individuals were not wrongfully implicated, and the appropriate offender is ultimately held accountable.”
Detectives said they found a possible suspect in Minnesota during the investigation, which remains ongoing. Police there have confirmed information that Newark police provided from the investigation, the release states.
Newark police encouraged parents to remain involved in their children’s online activity and have ongoing discussions with them about internet safety and responsible use of social media.
Advocate reporter Josué Perez can be reached at jhperez@newarkadvocate.com.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark police clear local educator amid explicit material investigation
Reporting by Josué Perez, Newark Advocate / Newark Advocate
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