A teacher from an elementary school on Long Island has been taken into custody, facing charges for engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a minor.
According to Suffolk County police, 37-year-old Mark Verity was arrested on Friday morning at a relative’s residence. He allegedly attempted to solicit inappropriate images from a child, as reported by Patch.com.
The investigation began when Riverhead Town police informed Suffolk County authorities of Verity’s inappropriate interactions. These interactions were with an adult member of the Predator Poachers group, who pretended to be a 13-year-old girl. The communications included requests for indecent photographs, according to police statements.
Verity now faces charges of attempted dissemination of indecent material to a minor and two counts of attempting to involve a child under 17 in a sexual performance.
Predator Poachers said in an Instagram post that Verity “reached out to our 13-year-old decoy account asking for explicit images of her multiple times, discussed scenarios of them meeting up,” and described other lewd acts.
Authorities confirmed that Verity is employed by the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District, which is cooperating fully with the investigation. District Superintendent Gerard Pool issued a statement indicating that “the individual has been removed from the classroom and will not be allowed on school premises while the investigation is ongoing.”
Superintendent Pool addressed parents, saying, “While I understand this news may raise questions, our legal team has advised that no further comments can be made at this time. I will share updates as they become available. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
In another message, he said that the district had no “prior reports or complaints” about Verity. Police said they have no evidence that any students were involved.
The district is making counselors available for students.
