TEWKSBURY, Mass. — A Lowell middle school teacher is facing charges after he allegedly sent a partially nude photo of himself to a 16-year-old boy over Snapchat, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Jaryd Palmer, 34, of Andover, was arraigned Wednesday in Lowell District Court on the charge of disseminating obscene matter to a minor. His bail was set at $500 cash with conditions that he stay away from and have no contact with the victim.
He is scheduled to return to court on July 1.
In a statement , Lowell Public Schools says, “the district is aware of the allegations against Mr. Palmer. However, we cannot comment on personnel issues.”
Palmer is currently working as a middle school teacher in Lowell Public Schools, the DA’s office said.
Palmer was arrested on Tuesday by Tewksbury police after the parents of the victim told investigators that their son had been communicating with Palmer, who allegedly sent him a photo of his genitals.
The boy allegedly asked Palmer to not send him photos of that nature and took a screenshot of the image before reporting it to his parents.
“This case serves as an important reminder to parents and children that it is critical to have open and honest communication around social media,” said the District Attorney’s office. “We need to remind our young people that if something is happening online that is making them uncomfortable, feels inappropriate, or in this case is illegal, they need to immediately report it to a trusted adult.”
This case is being investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Tewksbury Police.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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