Former Montco substitute teacher arrested, accused of trafficking minors, sexual abuse of children

SPRINGFIELD TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A former substitute teacher in Montgomery County has been arrested on charges of trafficking minors and sexual abuse of children.

Police say 33-year-old Tyler Degiacomo, of Oreland, was also a school volunteer, umpire and baseball coach in Montgomery County's Springfield Township.

"In March of 2024, a concerned parent reported to police she located child sexual abuse material on her daughter's phone and she sent to a man in his 30's named 'Tyler,' said Springfield Township Police Chief, Michael E. Pitkow.

Police said they were able to identify Degiacomo through their investigation.

After the execution of several search warrants and conducting digital forensic examinations of electronic devices, officials were able to identify four victims.

Two of the victims are juveniles from Montgomery County, who Degiacomo is alleged to have been involved with sexually and in the production of transmission of child sexual abuse materials.

Another victim is in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, where Degiacomo is alleged to have exchanged money for child sexual abuse materials.

The fourth victim is in Houston County, Alabama, and police say Degiacomo coerced the victim into sending child sexual abuse materials.

Investigators say Degiacomo contacted each victim on TikTok, Snapchat or both and he had a sexual relationship with two of them in exchange for cash, vapes, alcohol and other items.

Text messages sent from Degiacomo to one of the victims revealed in the criminal complaint read: "Do you want money or not? and "Are you going to do something for it?"

Police say some of the communication dates back to January of this year whereDegiacomo details meeting up with the minors at his Oreland apartment building, parking lots and hotels.

"We are looking to see if there may be additional victims involved," said Chief Pitkow. "We are also asking parents to be aware of the phone communications, text messages that their children are using."

In a statement to Action News, the Springfield Township School District says Degiacomo was a sub from 2018-2019 where he provided all required safety clearances prior to his employment.

You can read the full statement here.

A spokesperson for the PIAA tells Action News as of Monday morning, Degiacomo was removed as an official.

His initial registration was 2013. They never had any complaints.

Degiacomo was arraigned on Saturday, where his bail was set at $500,000 cash. He has been remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled forJune 11.

Anyone who may be a victim or has more information about Degiacomo is asked to contact Detective Stephen Craig at(215)836-1601 x 1232.