Brooklyn Teacher's Aide Arrested for Molesting Children
A Brooklyn elementary school teacher's aide, was arrested by FBI on Monday night, accused of making child pornography.
Taleek Brooks, who has worked as an aide at Public School 243 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, since 2001, was out of prison on bail at the time of his second arrest.
Brooks was first arrested on charges of possessing and distributing child pornography on January 13. Brooklyn federal prosecutors say that after his first arrest Brooks confessed to having a collection of more than 1,000 pornographic photographs of young children on his computer.
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Law enforcement officers said when they searched his house they discovered the videos of him molesting the students.
Brooks, who has been suspended without pay since his January arrest, has worked for the New York City Education Department for the last 17 years.
"As chancellor, and as a father, I am horrified and disgusted at the charges we learned of today from the FBI," said Dennis M. Walcott in a statement he made Tuesday after meeting with the school principle, teachers, PTA and staff members.
"Upon learning of this arrest, I immediately called the principal and went to the school to offer my support. Our paramount concern is for the safety of our students, and we are cooperating fully with the federal authorities as they continue their investigation."
"We'll be communicating with parents and in constant contact with the school community," Walcott said.
"My personal reaction is one of disgust on the part of this individual," he said. "This case is a horrendous case, and it's something that should not be tolerated."
Police have not yet said how many children were involved.
Brooks was expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn on Tuesday.
