Substitute teacher arrested for child pornography

ROCHESTER, N.Y.- Substitute teacher, Marc Hoffman, 25, of Fairport, was arrested and charged with possession and receipt of child pornography.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, said that, according to the complaint, on September 19, 2022, the Fairport School district received information that Hoffman contacted a minor on social media asking for sexually explicit photos. The minor was not a Fairport student. The district alerted law enforcement and fired Hoffman.

Investigation revealed that Hoffman allegedly communicated online with multiple minor victims, one as young as 13-years-old. Those communications included the exchange of sexually explicit photos. Investigators seized Hoffman’s cell phone, which was found to contain some of these alleged communications, as well as images of child pornography.

Hoffman made an initial appearance on Tuesday before a judge and was released on conditions.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Statement from the Fairport Central School District:

The District recently received an allegation regarding a now-former substitute teacher, Marc Hoffman. The claim involved an allegation of conduct which reportedly took place over social media outside of school, and involved a 17-year-old who is not and has not been a Fairport student. 

After receiving the complaint, the District immediately began an administrative investigation and notified the District’s Safety and Security Coordinator. He notified the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which subsequently began a criminal investigation.

The substitute was interviewed promptly by Human Resources and the Safety and Security Coordinator. His employment as a substitute teacher with the Fairport Central School District was immediately terminated after that interview, and his access to Fairport facilities was removed. 

The District understands that the individual is now facing charges of Posession of Child Pornography and one count of Receipt of Child Pornography. Law enforcement officials have notified the District that there is no evidence of a connection between this charge and any Fairport students or staff.

Given this individual was a substitute teacher who worked with our students, this news is deeply unsettling. Student safety is and will always be the District’s top priority. Before he was hired, this individual underwent a background check, which includes fingerprinting and employment screening. Hoffman was employed as a substitute working in primarily elementary buildings between September 2020 and October 3, 2022. 

When the District was notified of the allegations, we acted immediately and in accordance with policy and our mandated reporting obligations.

Again, law enforcement officials tell the District that any alleged misconduct related to this criminal charge on the part of this now-former substitute did not involve Fairport students or staff and did not happen on school grounds. 

As this is a police and personnel matter, this is all the information he District can provide at this time.

While this is a deeply disturbing incident, we are reassured by the fact that our reporting systems worked; a concerned person reached out to the District with this allegation and had belief that we would act on this information. We immediately responded in accordance with our policies and procedures. 

We value our partnership with and the diligence of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies and will fully cooperate as this matter proceeds.

If you or your family have questions or concerns about this matter, please contact the local FBI office.