FBI finds naked ‘prepubescent’ child with Ohio elementary school teacher arrested on child porn charges

FBI agents have arrested an Ohio elementary school teacher for the “possession and distribution of child sexual abuse images,” while alleging agents found “a prepubescent female completely nude” in the hotel room with him.

Officials say they began investigating Mark Altherr, a 44-year-old gym teacher, when they discovered he’d been posting on a website known for trafficking child pornography. Investigators say he was an “active member” for at least the last three years, posting 262 times in that span.

Records say he flaunted his sexual attraction to children between 5 and 12 years old on the site and allegedly detailed his sexual abuses and exploitation of children in that age range.

When agents tracked Altherr to a hotel in Columbus, Ohio on July 26, they say he was accompanied by a young girl. Fearing for her safety, they initiated contact with him. When he realized they were law enforcement agents, they say he tried to block their entrance into his hotel room. That’s when agents forced their way inside and found the young girl, who they say was fully naked by that time. 

Altherr reportedly worked at Delshire Elementary School in the Cincinnati area. The school district issued a statement saying it was cooperating with the investigation and would release more information when possible. 

“The Oak Hills Local School District is working closely with and fully cooperating with the FBI and law enforcement agents regarding the ongoing investigation,” a statement from the district read. “When more information becomes available, and legally permissible, we will share it with families and the community.” 

The FBI says it is continuing its investigation in the hope the public will help discover any other potential victims and crimes. 

“The FBI is always working to protect children in our community. As we continue to investigate this matter, we appreciate the support of the public in coming forward with any information they may have about potentially inappropriate actions of Mr. Altherr,” said FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. 

The case is just the latest in a wave of abuses against children by trusted educators. 

“Mark Altherr, a gym teacher at Oak Hills School District was arrested after FBI agents found him in a hotel room with a nude, prepubescent child,” Libs of Tik Tok posted on X alongside a news clip of the story. “He was also discovered to be in possession of child pornography, including videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors as young as 3 years old. 

“There is a [predator] epidemic in our schools. This is beyond disturbing.”