A preschool in Denver's Montclair neighborhood has come under fire after one of their teachers was recently arrested for distributing and possessing child pornography.
David Moe, 45, has been a teacher at Paddington Station Preschool for 18 years.
According to a federal criminal complaint, an undercover law enforcement agent observed child pornography available for downloading on another computer using peer-to-peer software to share files. Law enforcement obtained and exercised a search warrant last week and Moe, who was the sole occupant of the residence, was arrested.
In addition, the complaint notes that there has been at least one allegation of inappropriate contact with a child 10 years ago, but nothing was ever proven.
An affidavit on file at the U.S. District Court in Denver says Moe has admitted that he used a computer program to collect and share images of child pornography.
"Moe stated that he has lots of sexually explicit images, approximately 10,000, and estimates that 2 percent depict children under the age of 18. Mr. Moe's preference is to look at sexually explicit images depicting females ages four and older," reads the affidavit.
The images, along with more than 400 CD's found in Moe's home are being investigated further to determine whether he produced any of the images himself.
However Paddington Station has recently come under fire for releasing a premature statement to parents that prosecutors "have no reason to believe that he ever produced the images" or that they concerned any Paddington students.
Federal spokesman Jeff Dorschner told 9News that that's just not true.
"Computer forensic analysts have a substantial amount of media to review. At this point it is very early in their investigation and we do not know what the content is on that media," Dorschner said.
We are aware of and sensitive to the criticism that so many of our parents have felt in regards to our response to this incident, and we want you to know we have been working as quickly as possible to address your suggestions and requests.
The message goes on to say that the school will be hosting a community meeting for parents Friday with mental health counselors on hand and two facilitators who have experience with issues surrounding child abuse and prevention.
Moe will next appear in court August 7 for a detention hearing. He is charged with one count of distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography which carries a penalty between 5 and 20 years in prison as well as a fine up to $250,000. Moe is also charged with possession of child pornography which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Anyone with any information related to the investigation should call Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at 303-721-3035 and the school is encouraging anyone with knowledge of inappropriate behavior to call the Denver County Child Abuse Hotline at 720-944-3000.