Atascadero police found child pornography at a local teacher’s home, some of it included pictures and videos of his students.
Atascadero Unified School District reported to police that a district teach might have take inappropriate videos of students’ undergarments.
Police investigated and arrested 48-year-old Chris Lynn Berdoll.
A parent with a daughter in Mr. Berdoll’s art class said she is disgusted and appalled.
‘You never think that it’s going to happen to the school your kids go to I guess you could say and t’s an unsettling feeling having your kid go to school," said a mom who wised to be nameless.
The district put Berdoll on administrative leave during the investigation saying in a statement, "the District took immediate action by notifying the Atascadero Police Department and placing the employee on administrative leave to protect students, while conducting a thorough internal investigation. Should these allegations be confirmed, AUSD will pursue the termination of the employee."
Police said they found child pornography at Berdoll’s home, but not all of it contained images of his students.
"It doesn’t appear that any acts of molestation took place and we are grateful for that, but we are thoroughly following up to make sure that is the case," said Chief Jerel Haley of the Atascadero Police Department.
The district’s statement went on to say, "The courageous individuals who “saw something and said something,” allowed the District to take immediate action to ensure student safety,” ?
Police arrested Berdoll around noon Monday, Sept. 10th, booking him on charges of sexual exploitation of a child and production and possession of child pornography.
Police added that they notified parents of the victims and potential victims directly.
Berdoll also teaches art classes online and posted this on his website; "For the time there will be a delay in my responses to emails. I will also not be able to host the monthly challenges for awhile. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and things should be back to normal soon."
AUSD is offering additional counseling services for its members at this time.
Police are urging you to contact authorities if you think your child may have been a victim.
