LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Martha Layne Collins High School teacher was arrested Monday at the school and charged with 40 counts related to allegedly possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, an undercover investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children task force into 41-year-old James Powell alleged he possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material online through messaging platforms.
A search warrant was executed Monday after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a complaint from an online messaging platform stating that an account had been observed possessing and distributing the material.
Search warrants were executed at Powell's home and the high school. Powell was arrested and invoked his right to an attorney.
Police said multiple electronic devices were located and seized at his residence and the school.
Court documents show Powell is facing 10 counts of possessing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12; 10 counts of possessing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor older than 12 but younger than 18; 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12; and 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor older than 12 but younger than 18.
Powell is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. A mugshot was not immediately available.
A letter sent to families and staff from Shelby County Public Schools states officials "have no reason to believe the allegations are connected to any Shelby County Public School students."
The full statement can be read below:
Dear Families and Staff,
"We are writing to update you on a situation at Martha Layne Collins High School today. Shelby County Public Schools has learned of the arrest of a Collins staff member at the school.
The district is cooperating fully with law enforcement officials as they investigate this matter. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot provide additional details. At this time, based on the information available to us, we have no reason to believe the allegations are connected to any Shelby County Public School students.
Our focus remains on the safety and well-being of our students, and we will continue to take all appropriate steps to support a safe learning environment.
We will share additional information if and when we are able to do so without compromising law enforcement's investigation. Thank you for your attention to this important update."
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