Teacher arrested, charged with distribution and possession of child pornography

CINCINNATI - A 44-year-old Cincinnati man, Mark A. Altherr, was arrested by FBI agents on Friday, July 26, and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint and arrest warrant alleges that investigators found more than 262 posts Altherr made on a child pornography website over the past three years. Some of the posts included images that appeared to be minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The victims were alleged to be between the ages of five and 12. Altherr is a fitness education teacher in the Oak Hills Local School District.

"Investigators are now working to identify all of the victims in this case," said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. "Our office and the FBI encourage anyone who might have information about victims to report it to the FBI's victim resource page listed below."

"The FBI is always working to protect children in our community," stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. "As we continue to investigate this matter, we appreciate the support of the public in coming forward with any information they may have about potentially inappropriate actions of Mr. Altherr."

Anyone who may have information about this case or who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to visit www.fbi.gov/MarkAltherrVictims and complete the short online form.

Altherr appeared in federal court in Cincinnati on July 29, 2024. He was temporarily detained. A detention hearing is set for August 1, 2024.

Distribution of child pornography is punishable by at least five years and up to 20 years in prison. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Assistant United States Attorneys Danielle Margeaux and Kyle Healey are representing the United States in this case.

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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