Mercer-Based Teacher Charged With Possession Of Child Porn In PA: Authorities

LANGHORNE, PA —A Hamilton resident who worked as a music instructor in a Pennsylvania school has been charged with possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography, authorities said.

Christopher Bygott, 47, of Hamilton, N.J., worked at the Pennsbury School District. He surrendered to authorities Tuesday morning on charges of possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility, both felonies, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office said.

On Dec. 13, Bucks County Detectives interviewed Bygott at the Pennsbury High School East campus in Falls Township.

A forensic examination of his cellphone led to the discovery of 2,000 images and videos of Child Sex Abuse Materials that depicted sexual acts with children of various ages.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Jan Vislosky and was released on $250,000 unsecured bail, with the conditions that he has no contact with any minors, have no internet usage, and surrender his passport.

The investigation by detectives with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office began on Dec. 5 after two CyberTips were submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The CyberTips were linked to an IP address, which was used to upload the Child Sex Abuse Materials (CSAM) files into an Amazon Photos account. Bucks County Detectives received subscriber information from Amazon.com Inc., which identified the subscriber as Bygott.

Further investigation linked the IP address to the Pennsbury School District. During their investigation, Bucks County Detectives learned that Bygott is employed by the school district as curriculum coordinator for instrumental music.