Brookline High paraprofessional facing child porn charges

BROOKLINE (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) A Brookline Public Schools employee was arrested on child pornography charges Thursday night.

Benjamin Schwartz faces charges that include possession of child pornography and the dissemination of obscene matter.

Schwartz worked as a paraprofessional in Brookline for 10 years, having worked at the Pierce School from 2002 to 2003 and Brookline High School since 2004. Schwartz has been on leave under the Family Medical Leave Act since Oct. 1.

Brookline Public Schools sent a letter to parents on the arrest on Friday afternoon. They say the case is being investigated by Brookline and Mass. State Police and that there is currently no evidence of Brookline students being involved.

The letter to parents reads in part:

"We will work collaboratively with the Brookline Police Department during this ongoing criminal investigation. Please be reassured that the safety of your children is our greatest priority. The Public Schools of Brookline will take prompt and appropriate action as the police investigation unfolds. We will keep you apprised as new developments emerge during the investigation."

Cox Media Group