Child Porn Found In Substitute Teacher's Home: San Mateo Sheriff

SAN MATEO, CA — A substitute teacher and tutor across San Mateo County is charged after authorities found thousands of child pornography items in his home, police announced Monday.

Michael C. Ross, 67, of San Mateo, was arrested Feb. 19 on a charge of possession of child abuse sex material, police said. An extensive investigation and search of his residence last month revealed the child pornography, according to police.

Ross has since been released on bail, according to police, who said his arrest followed a cybertip submitted to the sheriff’s office from the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

“During the investigation, Ross was found to have a professional history as a substitute teacher and tutor throughout San Mateo County,” the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. “Given Ross' background, investigators are sharing information with the community and encouraging anyone with information about these crimes to come forward.”

Those with information should email rdeschler@smcgov.org or call 650-363-4881, police said. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 1-800-547-2700.

Sheriff’s detectives collaborated with the task force and the San Jose Police Department on the investigation, authorities said.