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Mary Star of the Sea Physics Teacher Arrested in Child Pornography Case

By Larry Altman
Daily Breeze
January 10, 2017

http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20170110/mary-star-of-the-sea-physics-teacher-arrested-in-child-pornography-case

Daniel O'Connell

A physics teacher at Mary Star of the Sea High School in San Pedro was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of possession of child pornography.

Daniel T. O’Connell, 32, was arrested about 8 a.m., jail records show.

Police investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit took him into custody, but information about the arrest was not immediately disclosed.

An LAPD spokeswoman said more information might be released later today.

Mary Star Principal Rita Dever sent a letter to parents Tuesday afternoon announcing the arrest.

“The Archdiocese was made aware last week that Mr. O’Connell was under investigation and has been cooperating fully with the police since that time,” Dever said. “At this time, the police have indicated that Mr. O’Connell’s alleged activities do not involve any students at Mary Star of the Sea High School nor did they take place on the Mary Star campus.”

O’Connell is a long-term substitute teacher at the school,” said Adrian Marquez, a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The campus website shows he taught physics and AP physics classes.

In her letter, Dever said the Archdiocese’s Applied Technology team conducted a review Tuesday of the “filtering and safeguards in place for internet access at the school and on school-supplied devices.”

“They determined Mary Star has appropriate internet filters and safeguards for students, faculty and staff,” Dever said.

O’Connell’s records also showed he was in full compliance with the Archdiocese’s “safe environment” requirements, including mandatory fingerprinting, a clear background check, and other certifications.

“We ask you to join us in our commitment to ensure the continued safety and well-being of every young person in our care, and to please keep everyone impacted by this matter in your prayers,” Dever said.

The arrest reportedly occurred at O’Connell’s rented home in Rancho Palos Verdes. Jail records showed he was held on $20,000 bail.

 

 

 

 

 




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