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Teachers Arrested in Child Exploitation Case

An illustration demonstrating the importance of online safety for children.

News Summary

Two teachers from Augusta and Aiken County have been arrested on charges of child sexual exploitation, highlighting the urgent need for online safety measures for children. Michael Poda, a band teacher, attempted inappropriate interactions with a minor online, while Ryan Manley was found with numerous images of child sexual abuse material. Authorities stress the importance of parental monitoring and open discussions about online dangers to protect kids from exploitation.

Augusta, Georgia – Two teachers from the Augusta and Aiken County areas have been arrested this week on charges of child sexual exploitation, raising serious concerns about online safety for children.

Michael Poda, a 34-year-old band teacher at Schofield Middle School in Aiken County, was arrested on Wednesday following an undercover operation by a Grovetown police captain who posed as a 14-year-old girl. During this online interaction, Poda attempted to engage in inappropriate conversations, prompting police intervention.

A search warrant executed on Poda’s phone revealed explicit images of girls aged 10 to 12, as well as an explicit video of a girl aged 12 to 14. Poda faces five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree and has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an ongoing investigation. The incident reportedly occurred on March 3 but was officially reported to law enforcement on April 11.

On Thursday, Ryan Manley, a former teacher at Richmond Hill Middle School, was arrested on charges of felony sexual exploitation of children. Manley was discovered in possession of 40 images depicting child sexual abuse material. His last day of employment with the Richmond County School System was on May 28.

Authorities are emphasizing the critical need for parents to monitor their children’s online activities to help prevent similar incidents. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and Grovetown Police Department have reiterated the importance of having open discussions with children regarding the sharing of personal information online, as well as the utilization of privacy settings on various social media platforms.

The South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has issued a parent’s guide to internet safety that aims to educate families on safeguarding their children while they navigate the online world. Statistics from the commander of Georgia’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force reveal that they are the third busiest in the United States, having received 32,000 tips that led to approximately 2,200 investigations and 579 arrests last year alone.

An alarming upward trend in child exploitation cases has been noted, with reported incidents increasing from 5,000 in 2017 to 15,000 in 2021. In Aiken County, the Sheriff’s Office typically receives around 100 tips annually regarding child sexual exploitation. This year, they have already received approximately 70 tips.

Law enforcement officials understand the challenges posed by the digital age, emphasizing the crucial role parents play in educating their children about online dangers. It is recommended that discussions focus on the importance of not sharing personal information, recognizing suspicious interactions, and using the necessary technology tools that can enhance safety.

The stark reality of these recent arrests serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats that exist online and the necessity for vigilant parenting in today’s digital landscape. Authorities continue to work diligently to apprehend those involved in child exploitation and aim to create a safer environment for children and families.