Crime & Safety

East Hampton Middle School Teacher Arrested

The school's computer teacher was arraigned in federal court on Thursday.

East Hampton Middle School teacher Richard Hendricks was arrested Wednesday on federal charges of possession, receipt and distribution of child pornography.

Hendricks, who lives in Ashford and is a graduate of E.O. Smith High School, was arraigned in federal district court in Hartford on Thursday.

According to documents filed with the court and statements made in court, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations identified Hendricks as allegedly using his credit card in May to purchase access to the live online viewing of minors in the Philippines performing sex acts.

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On Monday, with Hendricks' consent, Homeland Security special agents searched his residence and seized two laptop computers, one desktop computer and two external hard drives. Preliminary analysis of the seized computers and components revealed images and videos of suspected child pornography.

Homeland Security agents and East Hampton police were at the middle school on Tuesday. East Hampton police have referred inquiries about the arrest to Homeland Security. Agency officials contacted Thursday would only confirm Hendricks was arraigned and provided a press release.

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School officials notified parents of all East Hampton students Thursday afternoon about his arrest in an automated call from School Superintendent Judith Golden. 

Reached later in the day Thursday, Golden said school officials are cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.

“It’s an ongoing investigation and we are cooperating fully,” Golden said. “Mr. Hendricks was put on leave at the beginning of the week when this investigation came to our attention.”

Hendricks, who has worked at the middle school for six years, is the computer education teacher and yearbook advisor.

Golden said if parents have concerns, or information about Hendricks, they should call Homeland Security Special Agent James Richardson at 860-240-3346, Ext. 4112.

Hendricks appeared Thursday before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford. Hendricks waived his right to a detention hearing and is currently in federal custody.

If convicted of the charge of possession of child pornography, Hendricks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the charge of receipt and distribution of child pornography, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.


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