1st Grade Teacher Accused of Distributing Child Sex Abuse Images

A New York City 1st grade teacher was charged with possessing and distributing child sex abuse materials.

Christopher Ward, 37, is charged in federal court with one count of receiving and distributing material containing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York’s Office.

According to prosecutors, Ward is accused of possessing explicit images and videos of children under the age of 12.

“Every day, Christopher Ward stood at the front of a classroom of first graders while allegedly storing hundreds of images exploiting children just like them,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement.

Ward worked at an elementary school in Queens from September 2024 to September 2025, authorities said. From January 2021 to June 2024, he worked at a school in Manhattan.

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It is not immediately clear if Ward has retained an attorney or entered a plea.

According to a criminal complaint reviewed by PEOPLE, Ward allegedly admitted in messages that he was sexually attracted to his students and provided details about specific children.

He also allegedly admitted to a relative — in a conversation the relative recorded — that he had received videos containing child sex abuse material and forwarded the files to others on at least 30 occasions.

“Christopher Ward, a first-grade teacher, is accused of possessing and distributing child pornography, and even acknowledging his sexual attraction to his students—allegations that are chillingly disturbing and strike at the heart of every parent’s fears,” Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel said.

“With over four years spent in close proximity to young children,” Patel continued, “the gravity of these accusations cannot be overstated.”

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.