An instructional coach in Union County is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material

By admin On Oct 18, 2023

A 56-year-old instructional coach in the Union County Public School District was arrested and charged Tuesday with 10 counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, the sheriff stated in a news release.

An electronic tip led to Jeffrey Schneider, of Waxhaw, who was accused of obtaining and downloading images labeled as child pornography.

Investigators said Schneider is an instructional coach at Sun Valley Middle School and Sun Valley High School.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office searched Schneider’s home in the Skyecroft section early Tuesday morning.

The electronic devices were confiscated and Schneider was detained.

Union County Public Schools officials have placed Schneider on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. UCPS hired Schneider in August 2015.

“Our investigators have seen a significant increase in cases of online exploitation over the past several years,” Sheriff Eddie Cathey said in the news release. “These perpetrators believe they can commit their crimes online and will never be held accountable for their actions. My office remains committed to identifying, locating, and arresting online predators so we can ensure the safety of our children and teens. I encourage all local parents to monitor their children’s online activity and report them. Any suspicious communications their children may receive.

Schneider currently remains held under a $50,000 secured bond. His next court date is scheduled for November 8.

“Hell pissed me off.”

Some Sun Valley parents told Channel 9 they were upset not only by the charges against Schneider but also by the way the principal reported to them.

“To let the parents know via a brief email, and then I read what the sheriff sent,” said one parent who did not want to be identified. “It didn’t cover half of that.”

The school’s letter did not identify Schneider and stated only that a staff member had been arrested as part of an Internet crimes against children case.

“I received a voicemail from the principal saying there was an incident with an instructional coach,” parent Jennifer Kyrakidis said.

The school’s letter also did not mention the search of Schneider’s home, which upset Kyrakidis.

“I had to go to the Union County Sheriff’s page and find all the information there. Nothing from the school, which made me very angry,” Kyrakidis said.

Some parents were frustrated because they were not getting a clearer picture from school leaders.

“Some kids may not know a pedophile, so they could befriend a child and they may not know that their life is in danger with a pedophile,” one parent said.

A message to Sun Valley parents from Principal Harvey:

“Good evening parents, this is Dr. Harvey. I want to tell you about a case involving one of our employees. An instructional coach assigned to Sun Valley Middle and High School was arrested today by UCPS as part of an ongoing investigation into Internet crimes against children. UCPS has placed the employee on Leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Parents, I know you may have questions about this case, but since this is an active investigation with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and a personnel matter, I am not at liberty to share any details or answer questions. School and district administrators are working with law enforcement on This investigation.

“We care about our students and their well-being. If a student needs to talk to a counselor, staff will be available to provide support.

“We appreciate your partnership with Sun Valley Middle and High School. Thank you and good afternoon.”

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