CHICAGO (WLS) — A teacher from Chicago Public Schools, who also works with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, is being charged for reportedly engaging in the receipt and distribution of child pornography as revealed in a newly unsealed criminal complaint.
Jaron Woodsley, a 27-year-old from Chicago, was taken into custody on Friday morning. He is accused of exchanging child pornography images with someone else through the social media platform Telegram last autumn.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Woodsley faced a judge in court Friday.
Using Telegram, Woodsley distributed at least 13 videos and received six videos from that individual, the criminal complaint said.
A federal grand jury indicted the other individual in the case in the District of Colorado last year.
If convicted, Woodsley could face up to 20 years in prison.
A statement from a CYSO director reads as follows:
“We have been informed that a part-time staff member was detained for reportedly receiving and sharing child pornography. Such conduct is appalling and utterly conflicts with both CYSO policies and the law. This person was immediately suspended as we initiate our investigation. Our staff has no indication that any CYSO children have been affected by these allegations.
“Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority, and we are committed to providing them with a secure and supportive setting for education and growth.
“The CYSO staff and community are profoundly saddened by this event, and we pledge to work closely with the relevant authorities. For over 80 years, CYSO has established itself as a benchmark of excellence. We aim to uphold this standard at tomorrow’s Lollapalooza and throughout our upcoming season.”
ABC7 has reached out to CPS for comment, but has not yet heard back.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
