High School teacher charged with sexual exploitation of minors

The Department of Justice announced yesterday that charges had been filed against Seaman High School basketball coach and freshman world history teacher Jeffrey D. Pierce.

The 40-year-old Topeka, Kansas resident is still listed within the staff directory on the school's website as of this morning, but the page listing him as the coach of the varsity boys basketball coach has been removed.

According to the statement issued on behalf of U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, Pierce has been charged with two counts of producing child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.   The production is alleged to have occurred between March 10 and March 14 of this year.

If convicted, Pierce could face between 15 and 30 years in federal prison on each count of production, and up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the count of possession.

According to the release, it is not directly stated whether the victim(s) in this matter were students at Seaman, though a statement issued by the Seaman School District Superintendent Dr. Steve Nobel makes it sound likely.

“We were made aware of this arrest at around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning,” KSHB quoted Dr. Nobel as saying. "Upon finding out about the arrest and investigation, the district immediately began working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to assist in the case.

"We are cooperating and working closely with the FBI to provide our complete support in every way possible. Our first concern right now is for the well-being of victims who were impacted by this case and this news.”

“Right now, we just want to be there for our kids, families, and staff," Noble said. "This is devastating news to our school community and other communities that may be affected. Our priority is to get services to the victims involved and be there for our families and our Seaman community.”