FRESNO – A band director at a Fresno high school was arrested after it was discovered that he allegedly filmed his students while they changed their clothes in the band room for rehearsals and performances.
Police took 25-year-old Christopher Montes into custody on several charges of production and possession of child pornography. He was booked into the Fresno County Jail, but was freed on bail.
Montes came to the attention of authorities after a student at Riverdale High School found a camera in a room where she had been asked to change uniforms. She notified school administrators and the school immediately called the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies, along with the Central California Crimes Against Children Task Force, seized computers from the school. Officers also went to Montes’ home in Visalia and confiscated evidence. They also searched Visalia’s Christ Lutheran Church, where Montes worked as an audio and visual technician.
“Several additional computers and other media devices were recovered from various additional locations during the investigation,” Sheriff Margaret Mims said.
Montes immediately resigned from his position after being confronted by officials. He served as a teacher and band director at both Riverdale High and Riverdale Elementary for the 2013-2014 school year. The school district sent out a phone message to all parents regarding the situation.
“It is important to note that creating a trusting and safe environment is a top priority for our district,” said Pete Faragia, superintendent of Riverdale Joint Unified School District.
Montes has three children.
Read More:
ABC30: Riverdale High School band director facing child porn charges
YourCentralValley: Riverdale High School band instructor arrested on child porn charges
Visalia Times Delta: Teacher arrested on child pron charges
