By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
Needham Public Schools Superintendent Daniel E. Gutekanst informed families on Friday, March 7 that Michael Ciccolella, a 46 year old teacher at High Rock Middle School, has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Ciccolella has been employed by Needham Public Schools since 2008, but has been immediately placed on administrative leave due to these charges. According to a letter sent out to families by Gutekanst, Ciccolella’s access to Needham Public Schools buildings, grounds, and digital files was removed. Law enforcement officials have stated that they have no reason to believe that High Rock or Needham Public Schools students were involved or harmed in any way.
The Superintendent shared that the safety and wellbeing of NPS students is the district’s top priority and the school system intends to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues.
In the letter sent out to families, Gutenkanst stated: “Due to the disturbing nature of the charges, we encourage families to speak with their children and reassure them that they are safe at school. We will be offering counseling services to students and staff to ensure they feel safe and supported, and we will provide additional resources to parents and families in order to assist them with supporting their children at home.”
Records showed that a warrant was issued and served for Ciccolella on Thursday, March 6.
At his arraignment on the afternoon of Friday, March 7, prosecutors stated that Ciccolella posed as a thirteen year old online and according to a report on WCVB news on Friday evening, Ciccolella admitted to detectives that he viewed child pornography. It is alleged by the prosecution that the former teacher had uploaded over 150 photos and/or videos which depicted adults raping children.
Bail has been set at $500,000 with the condition that Ciccolella have no contact with minors.
