Local Teacher May Have Shared Students' Photos With Pedophiles: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A Lake County elementary school teacher who is accused of possessing child pornography may have also shared pictures of local children posted on social media with pedophiles, police said Thursday.

Todd R. Fowler, 47, of the 300 block of Buckingham Drive in Grayslake, has been charged with possession and dissemination of child pornography and more charges are possible against the teacher at Woodland Elementary School in Gurnee, police said.

Detectives with the Lake County Sheriff's Office first launched an investigation into Fowler after receiving a tip from a social media company regarding one of their users who may have shared child pornography to another user of their platform, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

During the investigation, local detectives learned the likely source was coming from a home in the 300 block of Buckingham Drive in Grayslake. Detectives obtained a search warrant and searched the home on Thursday with agents from the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

During the search, detectives recovered a device used by Fowler to share child pornography, police said. Police also believe he shared photos of students with pedophiles across the U.S., according to the news release.

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said Fowler's actions were "despicable." He also urged parents to take the time to talk to their children about the dangers of social media.

"...this is a reminder that it is critically important for parents to monitor who their children are communicating with and to regularly remind them about the dangers of social media and the internet," he said.

Meanwhile, forensic examination of Fowler's electronics is underway, and additional charges are possible once that examination is complete.

Fowler remains held in the Lake County Jail and is expected to appear for an initial court hearing Friday morning. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office intends to file a petition to detain Fowler while he awaits trial, police said.

Anyone wih additional information regarding the investigation can call police at 847-377-4000.