It was last October when Dr. Troy Czukoski, the Principal at Springton Lake Middle School in Delaware County, took a leave of absence. Little explanation for his departure was given, other than the fact that he was being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Postal Service Inspector. Now, nearly five months later, new information has finally been revealed. Officials say Czukoski was charged with possession of child pornography.
“He’s been charged as a result of a search warrant that was conducted on his home back in October of 2012,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Czukoski's attorney, Joseph Green Jr., claims his client admitted to collecting images of adolescent boys engaged in sexual acts for the last four years.
“He has suffered for many years from the after effects of horrific abuse which occurred when he was a child,” said Green. “He has now sought help and has been receiving psychiatric treatment to help him cope with this abuse and its consequences.”
Green also insists that his client has never mistreated any child.
“There is no suggestion that he has ever done so," he said. "He is a victim of horrible mistreatment."
James Wigo, the superintendent for the Rose Tree Media School District, which Springton Lake is a part of, confirmed Green's claim.
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"There is no indication that he mistreated any of our children," said Wigo. "For this we are relieved and thankful."
NBC10's Lu Ann Cahn spoke with parents of students at the middle school.
"It's very concerning to hear that a principal was engage in such activity," said one parent.
"I think it's terrible," said Laura Trippler, another parent. "We didn't really know anything. Last we heard was that he was taking a leave of absence in October. We didn't know anything else until today. This is a great school and school district. It's upsetting."
While Czukoski has been charged, he is not yet in custody. His first hearing has not yet been set.
