A DeSoto Central Elementary School teacher, Mitchell Cantrell of Olive Branch, Mississippi, was arrested on charges of possessing child pornography, according to local law enforcement. The 36-year-old educator, who previously taught fifth grade, is facing one count involving the production, distribution, receipt, or possession of explicit material involving minors. Action News 5 reported that Southaven Police arrested Cantrell off-campus after receiving a tip in mid-March about a DeSoto Central Elementary teacher downloading inappropriate videos and photos of minors.
The tip instigated an investigation that led police to Cantrell, and both the Southaven Police Department and Olive Branch Police Department were involved in his arrest early morning yesterday, while no details were disclosed how the classroom teacher became a suspect situated in the heart of law enforcement's probe. According to FOX13 Memphis, a statement from the school to DeSoto Central Elementary parents read, although the investigation is still ongoing, the Southaven Police Department has notified school officials that the arrest is not connected to any students or the ex-employee's previous role on campus. Cantrell's employment was swiftly terminated following his arrest, and the school district has been cooperating with authorities, including the Mississippi Department of Education.
DeSoto County Schools reassured concerned parents about student safety. One anonymous parent, whose daughter was a student in Cantrell's class, expressed their concern to FOX13 Memphis, saying, "That's the most scariest part is that my daughter actually had him as a teacher, and she was looking up to him." The parent emphasized relief that Cantrell was no longer in a position to influence their child.
As investigators continue their work, further details about the extent of Cantrell's alleged activities remain unclear but the Southaven Police Department has repeatedly assured the public that none of the involved material is related to Cantrell's former students or school, as noted by Local Memphis. Cantrell is expected to appear in court on Wednesday next week, and the DeSoto County School District is anticipating more information from District Attorney Matthew Barton on the progress of the case and any additional charges that might arise.
