Superintendent: No Students Involved in Child Porn Case

Brookline Schools have issued their first statement regarding special education paralegal Benjamin Schwartz's arrest on child pornography charges.

Schwartz, 32, was arrested Thursday on charges of child porn possession and disseminating obscene material. He has worked in Brookline schools for 10 years.

Superintendent William Lupini issued the statement Friday afternoon, saying the schools are cooperating with police as they investigate this crime. Lupini stressed that at this point there is no evidence that any students were harmed or involved in the case.

"We are very concerned about these allegations," read Lupini's statement. "At this point the Brookline Police Department and Massachusetts State Police Internet Crimes against Children Task Force are investigating and, to date, there is no evidence of involvement of Brookline students in these charges. We will work collaboratively with the Brookline Police Department during this ongoing criminal investigation."

Lupini spledged to keep parents informed as the investigation continues.

"Please be reassured that the safety of your children is our greatest priority," he wrote. "The Public Schools of Brookline will take prompt and appropriate action as the police investigation unfolds. We will keep you apprised as new developments emerge during the investigation."

Lupini said earlier Friday that Schwartz was already on a personal leave for anunrelated matter. He's been out of the schools since Oct. 1. He also noted that there were no complaints on Schwartz's personnel record. 

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