Investigation into Child Pornography and Exploitation at Valley Christian High School
Victim Count Rises in San Jose Investigation
The number of victims continues to grow in a federal investigation involving child pornography and exploitation at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, California. Investigators now believe that as many as five teenage boys were victims of Todd Baldwin, the school’s former director of operations, teaching assistant, and school coach.
Court Documents Reveal Disturbing Details
Court documents show that Baldwin, 44, admitted to San Jose police that he received pornographic images and videos from four male students and sold them online. This confession came after his arrest in August 2023.
FBI Investigation Uncovers Additional Victim
However, an FBI investigation claims there is at least one more victim. According to the documents, Baldwin made a deal with a 17-year-old at Valley Christian and a 16-year-old at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, convincing them to film and photograph themselves for pornographic purposes and send him the files over Snapchat and email. Investigators claim that Baldwin then sold their content online and paid the students over Venmo and Cash App, with payments totaling more than $6,000.
Long-Term Consequences of Child Pornography
"Once somebody’s image, a child’s image, is out on the internet, it’s out there forever, and the child is going to suffer continuing damage forever," said legal analyst Dean Johnson. "These cases are treated very seriously and prosecuted relentlessly, and the consequences of being convicted are extremely serious."
School Involvement Under Scrutiny
San Jose attorney Lauren Cerri, who has represented survivors of child sexual abuse in schools, including a prior case involving Valley Christian’s former basketball coach, is questioning what responsibility the school bears in this case.
"What did they know? What should they have known if they were properly supervising their employee and the students entrusted to their care?" she said.
Call to Action
Cerri and investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward to investigators so that all victims are known and receive justice.
Conclusion
The investigation into child pornography and exploitation at Valley Christian High School is a disturbing reminder of the devastating effects of these crimes on victims. As the scope of the situation becomes clearer, it is essential that those affected receive the support and justice they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many victims are involved in the investigation?
A: As many as five teenage boys, with at least one additional victim identified by the FBI.
Q: How did the abuse occur?
A: Todd Baldwin, the former director of operations, teaching assistant, and school coach, convinced students to film and photograph themselves for pornographic purposes and sold their content online.
Q: What is the motive behind the abuse?
A: Baldwin made a profit from selling the explicit content online, paying students over Venmo and Cash App.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with investigators urging anyone with information to come forward to help identify all victims and bring justice to those responsible.
