School janitor arrested for child porn

5/4/2023

School janitor arrested for child porn

State Police have arrested a Middleburgh man—and a janitor at Schoharie Central School—of felony child pornography charges.
With the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce arrested James W. Lethco, 50, of Middleburgh, for promoting a sexual performance of a child, a Class “D” felony, and Possessing of photos of a sexual performance by a child, a Class “E” felony, last Wednesday.
Mr. Lethco is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation.
His arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his home in Middleburgh.
Troopers said the investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Mr. Lethco was arrested and processed at SP Cobleskill.
He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Middleburgh Town Court on May 9 and released.
Mr. Lethco has most recently been employed by the Schoharie Central School District as a custodial worker.
Troopers said the school is aware and has been cooperative in the ongoing investigation.
No local victims have been identified.
In a written statement Wednesday, SCS Superintendent Dave Blanchard said Mr. Lethco, a longtime worker, was immediately placed on leave by the district.
Before that, Mr. Blanchard said, he was assigned to the day shift at the Junior-Senior High School “and did not have any direct contact with students as part of his assigned duties.
SCSD is cooperating fully with the State Police as they continue to investigate the charges.
“The safety and security of our students are the district’s number one priority,” Mr. Blanchard said.
“This is a responsibility we do not take lightly. We will be in contact regularly with the State Police as this investigation unfolds.”
Anyone with any information about this crime, or who believes they may also be a victim, is asked to contact SP Cobleskill at (518) 583-7000 or crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.