UNIONTOWN, Pa. — A father and son, both former teachers, have been arrested and accused of sexual abuse of children and possession of child pornography.
Robert Caldwell Jr., 36, is charged with unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a communication facility, sexual abuse of children, public display of obscene/sexual material and corruption of minors.
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His father, Robert Caldwell Sr., 67, is charged with four counts of sexual abuse of children and child pornography.
An investigation into the younger Caldwell, a substitute teacher, began after the Laurel Highlands Middle School principal reported possible inappropriate contact with several male students in March 2014, police said.
The principal told authorities that he was approached by a student who was questioned by his parents about numerous inappropriate messages from Robert Caldwell Jr. on his phone, according to police. All of the boys involved were interviewed, and it was determined that inappropriate language as well as a pornographic photo had been shown to them by the younger Caldwell.
A search warrant was executed at Robert Caldwell Jr.’s home, police said. While searching for his cellphone, police said they uncovered what appeared to be a nude photo of an underage boy.
Police issued a second warrant to include sexual abuse of children.
During the execution of the second warrant, numerous DVDs and VHS tapes of what appeared to be underage males were discovered in bedrooms belonging to both Caldwells.
“Ultimately we found pornographic materials in possession of both males,” police said.
Robert Caldwell Sr. is retired from the Uniontown School District.
“Oh yeah, everyone is talking about where we went to school,” said former student Liot Ray.
The Lauren Highlands Superintendent told Channel 11's Cara Sapida that as soon as they were made aware of the allegations, the younger Caldwell was let go.