Montclair NJ May 5 2011 A seventh-grade science teacher and swim coach at Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair was arrested Tuesday for allegedly possessing graphic images of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Brian Stern, 34, of Montclair, has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography. He had his initial appearance Tuesday afternoon before Judge Esther Salas.

According to the complaint filed in Newark federal court, Stern downloaded and shared child pornography and images of child pornography—involving children as young as 6 years old—via peer-to-peer file sharing software over the last seven to eight years.

During a search of Stern’s home Tuesday, investigators found videos and images of young children being restrained and sexually abused on Stern’s computer, including at least one image of a child who appeared to be in pain.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

MKA Headmaster Tom Nammack said Stern had been suspended from his duties. He emailed a note to MKA parents Tuesday saying that:

“It is with great regret that we are writing to inform you that MKA has been notified by the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office of the arrest of Brian Stern, a teacher, today,” Nammack wrote. Law enforcement officials “advised us that they are not aware of any other allegations of illegal activity at this time and we are not aware of any concerns regarding the safety of our students at this time.

“Please be assured that every support will be given to students at this difficult time,” Nammack added.

Nammack also sent a notice to alumni of the school on Wednesday.

“A team of administrators subsequently reached out by phone to the parents of Mr. Stern’s students to reassure them that our primary concern is for the emotional well-being and continued focus on learning for those children,” he said. “Mr. Stern has been suspended from the school and will not be on campus. As mentioned in the email, at this time however, there is absolutely no evidence of any inappropriate or illegal activities having taken place with students. Today, faculty at all three campuses met to discuss how best to support their students in the days and weeks ahead.

“I do want to reassure you that MKA requires criminal background checks for all its employees,” he said. “Additionally, school network filters not only make the downloading of illegal materials while at school extremely difficult, but attempts to do so are a matter of record.

“We are fortunate to have three experienced school counselors on staff, available to anyone in our community who needs them—adults and children alike,” he said.

Stern had taught at the private MKA from 2003 until 2009. He then traveled overseas for several months before returning to the school in September 2009.

Looking at the website http://www.ratemyteachers.com, it appears that Stern was fairly well liked by his students. As one student wrote, “good teacher … seems to care about us even though we talk a lot. Has high expectations but is fair.”

Montclair Kimberley Academy is one of the largest co-educational Pre-K – 12 independent day schools in New Jersey, located on three age-appropriate campuses.

Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Innocent Images Unit, under the direction of special agent in charge Michael B. Ward in Newark, with the investigation leading to the arrest.

Friday, 10-02-2009