A West New York teacher has been charged with transportation of child pornography for allegedly sending a video of a baby girl being touched inappropriately in a group text, court documents show.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
According to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, Lizandra Rios, a special education teacher in West New York, “texted a video including child pornography to various recipients.”
The complaint reveals that the information pertaining to Rios was discovered by chance when authorities were searching an individual’s phone in an unrelated New York investigation.
In a group chat, Rios allegedly texted a video of a young girl being touched inappropriately with the caption “Don’t call DYFS on me… but this is a throw back!!! Lol!!!”
An FBI agent investigating the case says that a review of cell phone records, property records and Rios’ Facebook page all provide sufficient evidence that she was the one who sent the video – which was created on an iPhone5 in Montclair on or about June 20th, 2014.
Hudson County View reported last week that the FBI arrested a West New York teacher on Monday, May 7th as part of an investigation into a child porn ring.
The raid included federal authorities paying a visit to the Robert Menendez Elementary School, better known as School No. 3, and Rios’ home before placing her under arrest.
Rios was released from jail after posting a $30,000 bond and must also undergo sex mental health therapy, according to her bail deposition.
She is only allowed to leave her home for work and activities such as doctor and lawyer visits, pertaining to her case, the document says.
Public records show that Rios earned an annual salary of $73,872 and has been placed on administrative leave since her arrest.
