Coleman child porn arrest: John Adams Elementary principal resigns

An Alexandria elementary school principal has resigned just days after a teacher at the school was arrested on child pornography charges.

Comment

Parents and officials met Monday evening to discuss the turbulent past few days at John Adams Elementary School.

Some of them have children who were in 35-year-old Justin Coleman's dual language class. Others worry that they did. "I call(ed) the school and they said they cannot answer whether my child has had any contact with that teacher," said Laiia Elhezzad, a parent at the school.

Many wonder how a man allegedly obsessed with child pornography could become a fourth grade teacher. "I just need them to do a better check on the people they are bringing in to work with our children," said Cassandra Lewis.

No evidence students were in danger

Investigators say there is no evidence so far that Coleman had sexual contact with any of his students. Meanwhile the superintendent addressed the resignation of John Adams' principal last week.

"These two issues are not at all related. Please draw a sharp defining line," said Mort Sherman, the Alexandria schools superintendent. He called the two events a "terrible coincidence."

Charges made public last week

On Thursday, parent at John Adams Elementary School learned a teacher was charged with receipt of child pornography. On Friday, some parents got word their principal was resigning.

After the weekend, some parents' tempers are still boiling. "It's crazy. Our kids, they know him. They've seen the teacher around," said Mimi Said, a parent.

"It's too horrible to find someone at the school like that. I'm so worried about my kids," added Hoyda Ahmed.

According to court documents, 34-year-old language teacher Justin Coleman had pornographic photos and videos of girls between 5 and 12 years old as well as images of himself with young girls. Parents said they are scared for their children.

Coleman allegedly took items of clothing from students at John Adams -- a backpack containing jeans and panties. As he's been charged, not convicted, the school district put Coleman on leave with pay.

Parent Frannie Gomez hopes the school can move on. "My boys love it here and they're doing well and they're very good students. I just, my heart hurts. My heart hurts," she said.

No comments