Worker at private school in Cambridge facing child pornography charges, police say

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — An employee at a private school in Cambridge is facing child pornography charges after being arrested Thursday, police said.

Joshua DeWitte, 49, of Cambridge, a worker at Buckingham Browne & Nichols Lower School is facing charges of one count of possession of child pornography, one count of distribution of child sexual act material and six counts of disseminating obscene matter to a minor, Cambridge police said.

DeWitte previously worked in the Cambridge public school system, according to police.

DeWitte was taken into custody around 7:45 a.m. Thursday at his Mount Auburn Street home, Cambridge police say.

“We are currently working to identify potential victims as part of our active an ongoing investigation,” Cambridge police said in a statement. “Currently, there is no indication any of the victims are Cambridge Public School students.”

Jennifer Price, the head of Buckingham Browne & Nichols told Boston 25 News that DeWitte successfully completed all criminal background checks before he was hired. Three reference checks with previous employers also did not raise any flags, Price said.

“We will continue to keep our families apprised of any details we learn and to cooperate fully with the appropriate agencies in their investigation of this matter,” said Price.

Cambridge Public Schools told Boston 25 News that DeWitte worked as a music teacher in the district for 13 years at the Peabody School and Rindge Avenue Upper School.

“At this time we have no information that the alleged crimes pertain to any CPS students nor his time as a CPS employee,” Cambridge public schools said in a statement. “As there is an active investigation we do not have any further comment. As a matter of policy we do not disclose employee personnel information.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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