Police: Wilmington teacher shared child pornography
WILMINGTON (WPVI) -- A teacher in Wilmington has been accused of sharing child pornography online.
Police began searching the Claymont home of William Herkins IV Tuesday and seized multiple electronic devices.
A forensic preview of those devices allegedly revealed over 25 files of child pornography.
They say the investigation is continuing and more charges are likely.
Herkins is a 5th grade teacher at Carrcroft Elementary School.
The Brandywine School District says it is cooperating fully with the Attorney General's Office, law enforcement, and investigators.
In a statement, the district says: "The number one priority of the Brandywine School District, or any school district, is the safety of our students and staff. We know that child pornography is terribly harmful to children and at odds with our responsibilities as educators and adults. Therefore, the Brandywine School District will not employ anyone who puts a child in harm's way, period."
Former student Casee Wanamaker told Action News Wednesday she was shocked and hurt to hear about the arrest.
"He's really like a father figure to most of the kids there. He never put us in harm's way. Made us feel very loved," Wanamaker said. "Anybody on Earth, but not him. Not him."
Herkins was arraigned and ordered held at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $1,250,000 secured bail.
Police say anyone with concerns on the suspect can contact the Child Predator Task Force at 302-739-2030.
