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Albin Jose Chellathurai, Mercer Middle School 8th grade math teacher arrested on child pornography and molestation charges
A teacher at a school in Savannah-Chatham is allegedly in possession of electronic photographs of child porn.
On November 1st, the Savannah Police detained Albin Jose Chellathurai, 39 a math teacher for the eighth grade at Mercer Middle School. He was accused of engaging in computer or electronic pornography, a crime under Georgia law intended to stop child exploitation.
The Mercer Middle School teacher was detained once more on Wednesday, according to the Chatham County bookings site, on additional felony counts of child molestation, child cruelty, criminal attempt, and making false claims and writings.
An official from the school district said that they are not aware of any involvement of school-related computers or property in the offenses.
District 8 includes Mercer Middle, and is represented by school board member Dr. Tonia Howard-Hall. She says, in part, this in a statement: “Not only do we require that our educators have an extensive comprehensive background check, we require them to adhere to the requirements of the professional standards commission. We will maintain to be vigilant by taking all allegations very seriously and will take the necessary actions that are in the best interest of student’s safety and well-being.”
He is still employed by the district during the investigation.
Officials from the school system claim
He is still employed by the district during the investigation. Officials from the school system claim that he has been placed in a different area where there would be no interaction with students. When a teacher is accused of inappropriate behavior, the school administration says this is usual practice.
Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brown, a member of the district 2 school board stated “I think it’s really important because it puts the children and their families first. I think also the fact that we remove individuals in contact with children while their rights are being honored and they are reassigned indicates we respect the rights of individuals to a full investigation.”
Parents have been notified of the situation and Hoskins-Brown says SPD and Board of Education police are investigating.
Last known contact information
Address: 2 Johnny Mercer Blvd Apt 303 Savannah, GA 31410
Phone: (803) 942-5857
Email: anj2130@gmail.com
Court Information
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