A Long Island elementary school teacher has been arrested and charge d with engaging in sexually explicit communications with a child.
Suffolk County police said that Mark Verity, 37, was arrested Friday morning at the home a family member after he attempted to solicit indecent photos from a child, Patch.com reported.
Police launched an investigation after hearing from Riverhead Town police that Verity was having inappropriate communications with an adult from the Predator Poachers group posing as a 13-year-old girl. That communication included “requesting indecent photos,” police said.
Verity was charged with attempted dissemination of indecent material to a minor and two counts of attempted use of a child less than 17-year-of age in a sexual performance.
Predator Poachers said in an Instagram post that Verity “reached out to our 13-year-old decoy account asking for explicit images of her multiple times, discussed scenarios of them meeting up,” and described other lewd acts.
Police said Verity teaches in the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District and that the district is cooperating. The district’s superintendent, Gerard Pool, said in a statement that “the individual has been removed from the classroom and will not be permitted on school grounds pending the outcome of the investigation.”
“While I understand that this news may leave you with questions, our legal counsel has advised us that we are unable to provide any further comment at this time,” he told parents in the message. I will provide any new developments as appropriate. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
In another message, he said that the district had no “prior reports or complaints” about Verity. Police said they have no evidence that any students were involved.
The district is making counselors available for students.
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[Featured image: Mark Verity/Suffolk County Police Department]
