Concord, NH teacher charged in child sexual exploitation investigation

CONCORD, N.H. — A high school teacher in New Hampshire has been arrested following a two-month investigation that began in December 2020.

Joshua Harwood of Manchester, New Hampshire was arrested on Thursday by Concord, NH Police detectives.

The 36-year-old was charged with two counts of manufacture child sexual abuse images; two counts of prostitution, solicitation to commit sexual contact; and prostitution involving a child under the age of 18, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of child sexual abuse images.

In December, the police were notified about “inappropriate online activity” and past physical activity allegedly committed by Harwood.

Manchester, New Hampshire neighbors of Harwood are shocked.

“I’m just stunned because he’s a great dad always playing outside with the kids,” said Sonya, who asked us only to use her first name.

“I would never think that that would happen with them but I guess anything is possible,” said Sonya.

She says Harwood was always outside walking.  “I mean, I just saw him walking his dog this morning,” she said.

Harwood, a now former concord high teacher, was let go Thursday. He was hired last summer according to Concord School Superintendent Kathleen Murphy, who released this statement. It says in part, “As superintendent, I am outraged at this individual’s behavior. the district employed him in late July 2020 as a new employee, with the expectation of professionalism and as a positive role model for our students.”

The district reported his misconduct to Concord Police in December. Harwood was immediately placed on administrative leave and issued a no-trespass order for the district buildings and grounds.

Just two weeks ago neighbors say police were at his home. Another man named Chris lives up the street. He asked us not to use his name.

“There were several police cars and an ambulance that showed up, no lights and they were here a good 5 hours,” he said.

Neighbors now wonder if that is connected to the arrest of a father, neighbor and former teacher who people say was quiet and kept to himself.

“Quiet. He’d always wave and be on his way,” the neighbor said.

Detectives with the Concord, NH Police Department, Manchester, NH Police Department, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted an investigation into the allegations that Harwood engaged in sexually explicit online activity with a person under the age of 18.

Harwood allegedly sought and received child sexual abuse videos and/or images in exchange for money and he is also accused of engaging in sexual activity with a person over the age of 18 in exchange for money.

According to police, he was a Concord High School teacher at the time of the alleged activity.

Harwood refused bail and is being held at the Merrimack County House of Correction.

He was expected to be arraigned on Friday.

If you know a child who has been a victim of abuse, call the NH Division for Children, Youth, and Families Central Intake Unit at 800-894-5533.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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