A Vineland teacher arrested in February on child pornography possession and distribution charges was one of 16 people from New Jersey caught in joint state and federal porn ring investigation, according to new details released in this case Wednesday.

Thomas Guzzi, 36, an elementary school teacher at John H. Winslow School, was arrested at his home in Pitman, after investigators discovered child pornography in a shared folder on a computer that was traced to his home.

Guzzi was suspended from his position as a 5th grade teacher at John H. Winslow Elementary School without pay.

According to the Press of Atlantic City, "Guzzi is also stage manager at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman. He also is charged with third-degree invasion of privacy for allegedly hiding a tablet computer in a bathroom stall at the Broadway Theatre to record video of others using the toilet. A video found on his computer allegedly revealed him installing the camera, authorities said."

Investigators in "Operation Safeguard" seized two laptops, a mini computer, a desktop computer, two iPads and two cellphones, as well as three external hard drives, while executing a search warrant of the home, according to a state justice official.

The arrest was a part of joint investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice, and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.

Acting Attorney General Robert Lougy on Wednesday announced that 16 defendants between the ages of 17 and 72 have been charged in that operation.

 

More From Cat Country 107.3