Manhattan teacher has been formally charged with possession and distribution of child pornography following a federal investigation

New York – Federal prosecutors have charged a New York City elementary school teacher with possession and distribution of child pornography, alleging that he stored and shared hundreds of illegal images while working in classrooms with young children.

Christopher Ward, 37, of Farmingdale, New York, was arrested on Wednesday and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave in Manhattan federal court. According to officials, Ward is facing two federal counts: one for receiving and distributing child pornography, and another for possessing it. Both charges involve material that included prepubescent minors, some under the age of 12, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Ward had been employed as a first-grade teacher since 2021, first at a school in Manhattan and later at an elementary school in Queens. Authorities allege that between July 2024 and July 2025, he used a mobile messaging application to possess and distribute hundreds of files depicting child sexual abuse.

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The announcement was made jointly by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and Special Commissioner of the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District Anastasia Coleman.

“Every day, Christopher Ward stood at the front of a classroom of first graders while allegedly storing hundreds of images exploiting children just like them,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The women and men of our Office are committed to ridding New York of child pornography. Together with our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department Special Investigations Unit, we will aggressively pursue and prosecute those who create, possess, and distribute child pornography.”

Officials described the allegations as particularly disturbing because of Ward’s position of trust in schools. “Christopher Ward, a first-grade teacher, is accused of possessing and distributing child pornography, and even acknowledging his sexual attraction to his students—allegations that are chillingly disturbing and strike at the heart of every parent’s fears,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “With over four years spent in close proximity to young children, the gravity of these accusations cannot be overstated. The safety of our children demands our unflinching attention, and HSI will not stop until the full facts are exposed and every offender faces the consequences.”

Ward’s case has shaken parents and community members, as the charges suggest misconduct occurring during the same period he was teaching first graders. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said the investigation highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting children in school environments. “When we send our children to school every day, we trust that they will be cared for and protected by their teachers. Instead, Christopher Ward made every parent’s worst nightmare a reality,” Tisch said. “These allegations are as sickening as they are illegal, and there is absolutely zero tolerance for anyone who exploits our most innocent in this way. I want to thank the NYPD investigators and our partners at HSI, SCI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for putting an end to this horrific behavior and ensuring our children our safe.”

The investigation also involved the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District, which is responsible for rooting out misconduct among school employees. “Christopher Ward’s actions as alleged are repugnant—and violate the trust of his school, his students, and the community overall,” said SCI Special Commissioner Anastasia Coleman. “Possession of child pornography and other types of exploitation of minors are among the most serious issues society combats, and SCI works tirelessly to root out such misconduct from the New York City school district. SCI is grateful for its partners in law enforcement for their efforts in bringing Christopher Ward to justice.”

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Authorities emphasized that Ward’s arrest was the result of months of investigation and the work of multiple agencies. U.S. Attorney Clayton praised the contributions of Homeland Security Investigations, the NYPD’s Special Investigations Unit and Computer Crimes Squad, SCI investigators, the Complex Analytics and Social Media Enhancement Team at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Southern District of New York Digital Forensic Unit.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adabelle U. Ekechukwu of the General Crimes Unit.

Ward’s arrest underscores the dangers posed when individuals in positions of trust abuse their authority, officials said. The allegations have left parents and community members demanding stronger protections and oversight within schools to prevent such cases from happening again.

While prosecutors say the evidence includes hundreds of images and videos of children being exploited, Ward is legally presumed innocent until proven guilty. The federal complaint notes that the statutory maximum penalties are provided only for reference, and any sentence will ultimately be determined by a judge.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials indicated that more details may be revealed as the case moves forward in federal court. For now, Ward remains charged with two serious counts that could carry decades of imprisonment if he is convicted.