Bakersfield School Teacher Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

Bakersfield Michael Scott Cooper, 42, previously employed as a school teacher at Loudun Elementary School in Bakersfield, California, was arrested without incident last night on a federal criminal complaint charging possession and receipt or distribution of child pornography. The arrest was the culmination of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Bakersfield Police Department and the FBI.

The matter was brought to the attention of law enforcement officials after representatives of the Kern County Department, Child Protective Services, advised that Michael Scott Cooper was possibly in possession of inappropriate photographs involving a child. The subsequent investigation revealed that, in addition to the Internet, Cooper may have used his position as an elementary school teacher to obtain inappropriate photographs.

Cooper is scheduled to be arraigned later today before United States Magistrate Judge Thurston, at the United States District Court in Bakersfield, California.

The charges contained in the complaint carry the maximum sentence of 2 years.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Persons with information about this case are encouraged to contact the Bakersfield FBI Office at 661-323-9665.