In a troubling disclosure from the Southern District of New York, middle school teacher Ross Lanvin has been arrested on charges of possessing child pornography. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew Podolsky, revealed that Lanvin was in possession of hundreds of explicit images and videos of young children. These materials depict children as young as three or four and extend to pre-pubescent minors, according to a statement from the Justice Department.
The allegations against Ross Lanvin has understandably caused deep concern, given his position as a math teacher with uninterrupted access to students. In an official comment, Matthew Podolsky stated, “As alleged, Ross Lanvin, who had close contact with students as a teacher at a public school in Manhattan, possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography. Together with our partners at the NYPD and Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigations for the NYC School District, we will continue to work to root out those who possess child pornography, especially when those individuals work in positions that give them access to children—some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Our investigation into Lanvin is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with information to contact Wendy Olsen-Clancy, the Victim Witness Coordinator at the United States Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York, at 866-874-8900 or [email protected].,” as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Lanvin's employment history with the New York City Department of Education dates back to 2006, with a hiatus between 2013 and 2016. The incriminating evidence was reportedly found on a Google account under a pseudonym, which has since been shut down by Google after detecting suspected child pornography. Upon further investigation, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on Thursday, at Lanvin’s apartment, where they found additional child pornography on his electronic devices.
41-year-old Lanvin from New York faces serious charges, each carrying up to a 20-year maximum prison sentence. However, the official Justice Department statement points out, "The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty." The case is currently being managed by the General Crimes Unit with Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Phillips at the helm of the prosecution.
The New York City Police Department Special Investigations Unit, Computer Crimes Squad, the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigations for the NYC School District, and the Task Force Officers and Investigative Analysts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York have been acknowledged by Mr. Podolsky for their diligent work on this case. The investigation continues as officials seek to understand the full scope of Lanvin's actions and any further risks to students or the community.
