David Shields, a 65-year-old retired elementary school teacher from Berwick, Pennsylvania, is behind bars on charges of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility. Authorities moved in after a cyber tip exposed the alleged predator’s digital trail, culminating in a search of his home on April 11, 2019, where agents found disturbing images of child sexual abuse stored on his computer.
The investigation began in February 2019 when the Office of Attorney General received a CyberTip from an electronic service provider. The tip flagged an upload of child pornography traced directly to Shields’ residence. Acting swiftly, state agents secured a search warrant and recovered the illicit material, providing the evidence needed for immediate arrest. Shields was taken into custody and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Matthew Christopher in Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
Shields now faces multiple counts of Sexual Abuse of Children and one count of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility. Bail has been set at $150,000, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2019, at 11 a.m. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones, who vowed a rigorous pursuit of justice.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro did not mince words: “Parents entrusted the defendant—a former teacher—with their children, yet he was engaged in the online exploitation of minors.” Shapiro emphasized that individuals who abuse children will be hunted down and prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.” His office’s Child Predator Unit led the investigation, underscoring a zero-tolerance stance on such crimes.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Berwick community, where Shields once taught in the Berwick Area School District. Neighbors and former colleagues expressed disbelief, but the evidence is undeniable. The case highlights the hidden dangers that can lurk behind respected public figures—and the critical importance of digital monitoring and public vigilance.
Authorities urge anyone with information about child exploitation to call the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044 or text “PAKIDS” followed by the tip to 847411. As Shapiro’s office continues cracking down on predators, they remind Pennsylvanians: no suspect, no matter their past position, is beyond reach.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: Pennsylvania AG
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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