WEST JORDAN, UTAH – November 6, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – A West Jordan middle school teacher was arrested on child pornography charges after a search warrant was served at his home on Wednesday night.
According to the probable cause statement, an Internet Crimes Against Children task force found two child pornography videos being shared in a peer group in May a resident of West Jordan. A search warrant was executed Wednesday night at the location in which the files were shared.
They found Jeffrey Patterson, 31, living in the basement. Patterson told detectives he is a 7th grade science teacher at West Hills Middle School and that in the past three years he has had sexual thoughts regarding 50-60 of his students. He also admitted to pleasuring himself in his classroom during a lunch break while sitting behind his desk.
Patterson then told detectives he has always wanted to place cameras in the boys bathroom at the school above the stalls so he could watch the boys use the restroom.
Several computers were seized from the home. During the investigation, Patterson admitted to having 20-25 videos of child pornography on his external hard drive.
In a letter issued to parents of students who attend West Hills Middle School, Principal Stacy Evans explained the school is fully cooperating with authorities and reassured the parents the safety of their children is their top priority. Below is the letter in its entirety.
“Dear Parents,
We want to inform you that 7th-grade science teacher Jeff Patterson has been arrested on suspicion of possession and distribution of child pornography. No formal charges have been filed yet. The Jordan School District has undertaken a thorough investigation in conjunction with Law Enforcement. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has done an extensive search of the school and there is no indication based on the investigation to date that the safety of children and integrity of the school have been compromised. The District is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and will keep parents informed of any new developments. Mr. Patterson has been placed on administrative leave. He remains in jail at this time.
We want to assure you that the safety of children is a top priority. All employees undergo a background check before they are hired and subsequent checks during their employment.
Law enforcement has provided a tip line number for anyone with possible information about this case at 801-281-1211.
In addition, anyone with other questions or concerns can contact me, Stacy Evans.
Thank you for your support of West Hills Middle School.”
Sandy Riesgraf, spokesperson for the Jordan School District said that Patterson was suspended immediately Thursday morning after being notified by the police department of his arrest. “The ICAC investigators were at the school all day Thursday,” Riesgraf said. “They have assured us they have completed a thorough investigation and the integrity of our students and the school has not been compromised.”
Reisgraf said the news of Patterson’s arrest was disheartening and troubling. “We are deeply saddened after hearing of Patterson’s alleged involvement in these kinds of crimes. We, as well as students and parents, put a lot of trust into our teachers and this has really affected the staff and kids at the school.”
“There will be counselors and a crisis team at West Hills all day Friday for any students, parents or anyone else in the community with concerns,” Riesgraf said. “They will be there as long as needed.”
Patterson is currently being held in the Salt Lake County Jail on one second-degree felony charge of sexual exploitation of a minor. The case will be screened with the District Attorney’s office for further charges.
He was my teacher in 7th grade. I would always joke with my friends about him looking at bad things on his computer, because he always looked suspicious. I’m glad they caught him because he was gross!