SOUTH CAROLINA — Channel 9 has learned the state of South Carolina has suspended the license of a Fort Mill high school teacher accused of exchanging sexually explicit photos of young boys.
Federal agents arrested and charged Eric Hartley with conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
The State Board of Education said it suspended his license due to the "serious nature of these allegations."
It said he may pose "a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of students who may be under his instruction."
(Eric Hartley)
Channel 9 was in the courtroom Tuesday when federal court documents were unsealed in the case.
A federal agent accused Hartley of sharing pictures of naked boys on an app called Kik.
Agents pointed to texts on that app from Hartley saying how tough it was to work with young boys he described as “sexy.”
The documents claim Hartley didn’t want to pursue anything with the boys, because he didn’t want his life ruined or to get himself banned from society.
The Fort Mill School District confirmed an employee was arrested and resigned but wouldn’t release that person’s name.
A district spokesperson sent a statement saying, "The employee has resigned their position with the district. The district cannot comment on any investigations and has not been contacted by law enforcement at this time."
A source told Channel 9 Hartley was a business education teacher at Fort Mill High School.
Hartley’s teacher page has been removed from the district’s website.
We first notified WSOCTV news app users about the arrest just before 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Download the WSOCTV news app to get news alerts on breaking stories.
The case stems out of Prince William County, Virginia.
Prosecutors said between September and October 2016, Hartley conspired with others to distribute child porn.
Several parents reached out to Channel 9 saying they are angry and disappointed they haven’t heard anything about the arrest.
A district spokesperson declined to answer questions about whether parents were notified or how long Hartley worked for the school.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
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