Music Teacher at Cambridge Private School Arrested on Child Pornography Charges
Music teacher Joshua DeWitte, 50, was arrested Thursday and arraigned on child porn charges. DeWitte allegedly exchanged videos and photos with minors online, leading to charges of distributing obscene matter to a minor, possessing child pornography, and distributing material of a child in a sex act.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
DeWitte, a teacher at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, was arrested by Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan’s office. The charges stemmed from suspicious activity on his Snapchat account, where he reportedly engaged in sexual conversations with multiple male children under 18. While Cambridge police are investigating to identify potential victims, there is currently no evidence linking any victims to the school or Cambridge Public Schools.
During his arraignment in Cambridge District Court, DeWitte’s bail was set at $8,000. He was ordered to surrender his passport, stay away from victims, witnesses, and the school, and forbidden from working with children under 18.
School Response and Community Impact
Jen Price, head of school at Buckingham Browne & Nichols, stated that DeWitte had passed all necessary background checks and reference screenings prior to joining the school this year. The school has placed him on leave and plans to keep families informed about the situation while cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
In response to parental concerns, the school will host an open forum next week to address questions and provide support to the community. The allegations have shaken both students and parents, raising questions about child safety and trust within educational institutions.
Looking Ahead
As the legal process unfolds, the case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and continuous monitoring of staff working with minors. The impact of such allegations reaches far beyond the individual involved, affecting the entire school community and prompting discussions about safeguarding children in educational settings.
