A physical education teacher at Ashburton Elementary School in Bethesda has been charged with 10 counts of possessing child pornography, county police announced Tuesday.
Daemon Alan Dartouzos, of Germantown, was arrested after what police said was an “extensive investigation” by county detectives in a special Child Exploitation Unit working with the FBI.
Police said they do not believe the images were of any students at the 877-pupil school.
The authorities did not say how and when they learned of the case and how long Dartouzos has been under investigation. His age was not available.
In a letter sent to parents and students, Ashburton Principal Gregory Mullenholz said Dartouzos was placed on administrative leave in January 2018 when law enforcement searched his home for evidence of involvement with online child pornography.
“The alleged behavior by Mr. Dartouzos is extremely concerning,” Mullenholz said. “These charges represent a violation of our school’s core values and the values of our Montgomery County community.”
Police asked the school system to not share details of the case until this week to avoid prejudicing an ongoing investigation, Mullenholz said.
Dartouzos has worked in the school system since 1991, according to the letter.
Bond and defense attorney information was not available in online court records late Tuesday.
