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FBI says more charges likely for ex-school technology worker accused in child porn investigation

Investigators: Andrew Shonk Admitted to Crimes
Posted at 5:45 PM, Jul 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-05 18:02:37-04

The FBI said Thursday it anticipates more charges will be filed in its on-going investigation into a former technology worker at two Northeast Ohio school districts.

Andrew Shonk is accused of having naked pictures of students from the Rootstown school district where Shonk worked as a technology specialist from 2006 until 2012.

"I feel anytime somebody does something that's been alleged here, absolutely we've been violated," said Rootstown Superintendent Andrew Hawkins.

Hawkins said Shonk underwent a criminal background check before working in the district's three schools as part of an arrangement with the Portage County Educational Service Center.  

While he was not a teacher, Hawkins said Shonk's job meant he would have regularly crossed paths with students.

Citing the on-going investigation, Hawkins wouldn't say how many students may have been victimized or their ages.

"For me, one is too many," said Hawkins.  "Way too many, but there are a number of students."

Investigators say Shonk downloaded obscene material involving minors and had multiple images and videos of a naked minor.

According to court records, Shonk admitted the crimes.

Hawkins said he worked closely with Shonk to upgrade technology throughout Rootstown's schools. The superintendent said he never saw any potential red flags, and understands parents' frustrations.

"What I would say is I'm very upset as well," said Hawkins. "That somebody came into our district, an outsider working in our district and allegedly obtained, illegally obtained some information, that is definitely something I'm very upset and angry about as well."

Shonk also worked for Hudson City Schools. The superintendent there says investigators have not found any naked pictures of Hudson students, but did discover Shonk saved social media photos of students there.  Shonk resigned last week after the district found out about the federal investigation.

Shonk is being held on a $1 million bond. 

RELATED: Man who worked at local school districts arrested on child porn charges