A former preschool paraprofessional in Wilton has been arrested on child pornography charges, according to a letter from the school superintendent.
Eric Von Kohorn, 33, of Bridgeport, was arrested Aug. 20 and charged with first-degree possession of child pornography and promoting a minor in an obscene performance, according to state police. Wilton Supt. Kevin J. Smith said Von Kohorn began working for the school system in 2007.
According to a letter Smith sent to parents and members of the school community, police notified Wilton school officials of the investigation into Von Kohorn in June. He was placed on administrative leave and asked not to return to school grounds.
Smith said Von Kohorn resigned from his position June 16. He worked as a paraprofessional at Miller-Driscoll School on Wolfpit Road.
The school district has also notified the Department of Children and Families. Smith said Von Kohorn’s illegal behavior took place at home and not at work. He was not involved in the production of pornography and no Wilton students were involved.
"There are no reports to date of staff members ever observing any behavior that would be considered inappropriate," Smith wrote in a follow-up letter sent to parents Thursday evening.
Von Kohorn underwent a background check prior to being hired, which revealed no red flags, according to Smith.
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“We are all deeply troubled by this alarming situation. Please be reassured that the safety of children is our foremost concern and there are many policies and procedures in place to ensure the wellbeing of all our children,” Smith wrote.
A meeting with preschool parents is planned for Monday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Middlebrook School auditorium. Mental health and law enforcement professionals will attend.
Dr. Barbara Rickler, a certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, will also be available to support parents at the preschool Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Von Kohorn was one of six people arrested Wednesday in a state police child pornography sweep.
No one answered the door at his Bridgeport home Thursday afternoon.
