A former Miami Beach Jewish day school teacher was was arrested Tuesday on child porn charges. 64-year-old
Theodore Nusbaum was reportedly charged with five counts of possession
of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit content.
Former Jewish Day School Teacher Busted on Child Porn Charges
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
A former Miami Beach Jewish day school teacher was was arrested Tuesday on child porn charges, NBC Miami reported.
64-year-old Theodore Nusbaum voluntarily surrendered himself to federal authorities and was reportedly charged with five counts of possession of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit content. The charges stem from downloaded material found on Nusbaum's home computer.
For six years, Nusbaum taught science at the Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy High School until he was placed on a personal leave of absence in October when the school was told about the criminal investigation into Nusbaum’s being conducted by the Federal government’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (commonly known as ICE).
Nusbaum reportedly left Florida shortly after his leave was granted.
"We do not know any of the details of the investigation at this time although we have been assured by law enforcement that there is no evidence that Dr. Nusbaum had any inappropriate contact with our students or that any images were found on his school-issued computer. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement. This is a difficult time for all of us at the Hebrew Academy. We have taken great care in responding to this situation in dealing with our students, faculty, and families. We are fully committed to a secure and safe environment for every member of our school community,” Dr. Roni Raab, the school’s head, reportedly said in a statement to NBC.
Nusbaum’s attorney Joel Hirschhorn, told the station that Nusbaum was staying with family in Illinois and was in therapy.
Nusbaum, who was released on $250,000 bond, reportedly faces up to 50 years in prison.
The following email given to Failedmessiah.com last night was sent by Raab to parents yesterday:
From: hebrewacademy
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 12:58 PM
To: hebrewacademy
Subject: Important Announcement from Dr. Raab, Head of School
Dear Parents,
The School was advised by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations that one of our former high school teachers, Dr. Theodore Nusbaum, has been arrested for alleged possession of child pornography on his computer at home. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement. As you know, we complete a comprehensive background check on all individuals we employ. Dr. Nusbaum’s background investigation was clear.
We have been assured by law enforcement that there is no evidence that Dr. Nusbaum had any inappropriate contact with our students or that any images were found on his school-issued computer. Nevertheless, we are mindful that our students likely will hear about Dr. Nusbaum’s arrest and that they may be concerned.
We also would like to take a moment to encourage you to speak with your children to let them know that if they ever experience any awkward or inappropriate behavior or communications from an adult – anything that makes the child feel uncomfortable or which the child feels invades their personal space – they need to report it to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, guidance counselor, clergy, or administrator).
If you have questions or concerns, l will be available for individual parent meetings. We ask for your patience, help, and support.
Dr. Raab
Dr. Roni Raab
Head of School
Hebrew Academy (RASG)
Miami Beach, Florida
[Hat Tip: The Lion.]