NC teaching intern accused of having child porn
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 11, 2013
MOORESVILLE (AP) — Authorities in Iredell County have accused a Mooresville man training for a student teaching job of having child pornography on his computer.
The sheriff’s office says Michael John Bernatchez, 26, is charged with seven counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to officials, Bernatchez was participating in a college teaching internship program at East Mooresville Intermediate School. They say he planned to begin student teaching in the fall 2014 semester.
Investigators say deputies obtained a search warrant and seized the man’s computer, then contacted the State Bureau of Investigation for help.
Maj. Darren Campbell said there are no indications that either students or the school are involved.
Bernatchez, who was arrested last week, is free on a $50,000 bond, It’s not known if he has an attorney.