Royal Oak Teacher Arrested on Suspicion of Molestation, Distribution of Child Pornography

OUTSIDE LOS ANGELES, CA -- An eighth grade English teacher at a local middle school was arrested Wednesday morning after he met with an undercover agent in a school classroom intending to watch child pornography and engage in sexual activity, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Mike Hendricks, superintendent of Charter Oak Unified School District, confirmed to Glendora Patch that Covina Police and agents with ICE/Department of Homeland Security arrested Glendora resident John Boyle, 49, a 13-year teacher with the Charter Oak school district, at the Royal Oak Middle School campus, 303 Glendora Avenue, in Covina Wednesday morning.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Boyle had previously set up a meeting with the undercover operative in a school classroom Sunday to watch child pornography and engage in sexual activity. Prior to the meeting, Boyle engaged in online chats with the undercover agent and expressed his interest in young boys, according to the affidavit. At the scheduled meeting, Boyle was confronted by other agents who interviewed him. Agents did not arrest Boyle at the time, but obtained a search warrant to collect more evidence on Boyle's computers. 

Through a search on Boyle's Skype account, agents believe he may have had prior sexual contact with minors. A search on Boyle's computer systems revealed possession of child pornography, while further investigation into Boyle's Yahoo e-mail account revealed he used the account to distribute child pornography, according to the report.

 “This is troubling information, but there is no indication that any students were involved,” said Hendricks. “The welfare of our students is our number one priority.”

Hendricks said Boyle is currently on administrative leave and the investigation is ongoing. Boyle is currently in custody and is due to appear in court Thursday.

Parents of students at Royal Oak were notified of the arrest Wednesday, Hendricks said.

Students or parents with any information on the case are encouraged to contact Felipe Munoz of the Covina Police Department at (626) 384-5621. They may also contact the toll-free tip line at 1-866-347-2423 or submit information using HSI’s online tip form at http://www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp.

Royal Oak Middle School is the only middle school that serves the Charter Oak Unified School District, which includes portions of Covina, Glendora and San Dimas.