Phoenix preschool worker arrested on child pornography charges

PHOENIX – A Phoenix preschool teaching assistant was arrested by the FBI for allegedly possessing child pornography.

The FBI said it executed court-authorized search warrants on Wednesday at a residence in Glendale and arrested 34-year-old Manuel Pantoja for receipt and possession of child pornography.

Pantoja has been employed with the Washington Elementary School District since September 2023 and worked as an instructional assistant in the Special Needs Preschool Program, in addition to the After-School Academy Program, Principal John Mospan said.

Pantoja was placed on administrative leave and will be recommended for termination at the next board meeting, according to Mospan.

The school said it is working with law enforcement as part of the ongoing investigation, and at this time, there is no evidence suggesting any Desert View students were involved.

Every WESD employee, including Pantoja, is required to undergo a mandatory background and fingerprint check before working with students.

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