A Phoenix elementary school employee has been arrested by the FBI on allegations of possession and receipt of child pornography.
According to a statement from the Washington Elementary School District, Manuel Pantoja has been employed there since 2023. He was an instructional assistant for the Special Needs Preschool Program and After-School Academy Program.
The district said he’s been placed on administrative leave and will be recommended for termination at the next board meeting.
He worked at Desert View Elementary School. So far, there’s no indication that any students from that school were involved.
In a letter to families, Principal John Mospan wrote: “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as their investigation continues. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. All WESD employees, including Mr. Pantoja, are required to complete a comprehensive background and fingerprint check prior to working with students.”
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Next to the sapling is a granite plaque with an image of Emily and an inscription that reads, in part, “No more stolen sisters.” Beside that area is a metal bench, engraved with a bloody handprint — a symbol of MMIP. -
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