WARREN (WWJ) — A Livonia man could spend up to two years behind bars after allegedly watching pornography in a classroom full of children.
Francesco Ianquinta was arraigned Tuesday on charges of distributing sexually explicit, visual or verbal matter to children and obscene disorderly conduct.
The 62-year-old was substitute teaching at Academy of Warren — near 8 Mile and Gratiot — on Tuesday, Sept. 24 when he watched pornography in the classroom, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
He allegedly touched himself while watching it, the sheriff’s office said.
The prosecutor’s office says it was Iaquinta’s first time subbing at the school. While Academy of Warren is a K-8 school, authorities did not say which grade Iaquinta was substituting for.
"As a trusted educator, the defendant had a responsibility to provide a safe and focused learning environment for students. Instead, he violated that trust. This behavior is unacceptable, and we are committed to pursuing justice to ensure that such misconduct has no place in our schools," Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, per a press release.
Iaquinta’s bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety and his next court date has been scheduled for Oct. 8.
The charge of distributing sexually explicit, visual or verbal matter to children is a felony punishable by up to two years, while obscene disorderly conduct is a 90-day misdemeanor.
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