AIKEN, S.C. () – A man has been taken into custody by investigators from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office following a CyberTip from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, relating to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Michael George Poda, aged 34, faces five charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the 3rd degree. Arrest warrants allege that Poda was in possession of inappropriate images of underage girls on his cell phone.

A spokesperson from Aiken County Public School District has confirmed that Poda was employed as a band teacher at Schofield Middle School, where he worked for two years.

“As a standard protocol, Podais being placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of Law Enforcement’s investigation which is ongoing,” said Merry Glenne Piccolino, executive director of communications and community partnerships of Aiken County Schools.

In a press release sent Thursday, July 10, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office stated it received assistance from the Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and the U.S. Secret Service in the investigation.

This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.