Brockport kindergarten teacher allegedly possessed child porn

A Brockport kindergarten teacher is accused of possessing child pornography, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

Roland Yockel II, 30, of Hilton was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) special agents in Phoenix "became involved in ongoing child pornography investigation with investigators from the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwheuna, Digital Child Exploitation Team (NZDCET). That investigation identified individuals who utilized the Internet based application 'Chatstep.com' to receive and distribute child pornography."

On May 22, 2017, and July 24, 2017, an undercover NZDCET investigator observed several people using Chatstep chat rooms, including one with the user name "Ryancba," according to a release. Ryancba posted links to image files depicting child pornography. "The IP address traced back to the defendant, Roland Yockel, a kindergarten teacher in the Brockport Central School District," a release said.

The sexually explicit images included pre-pubescent children, authorities said.

On Tuesday, authorities executed a search warrant at Yockel's home on North Avenue in Hilton. "Agents recovered DVDs containing numerous videos and images of child pornography," authorities said.

Yockel lives in the basement of the North Avenue home. His parents and siblings live in the same home. "His parents provide babysitting services at the residence," a release said.

Yockel works as a teacher at Ginther Elementary School in Brockport. According to his Facebook page, he started working at the school in August. Prior to that, Yockel worked as a substitute in the Hilton school district. He also worked as the playground camp coordinator for Hamlin Parks and Recreation's summer programs. Yockel is a firefighter with the Hilton Fire Department.

The Brockport school district released a statement that an unnamed staff member was placed on administrative leave after his arrest.

"While we have no reason to believe that the arrest has any connection to his employment with the district or that student safety was compromised, we remain committed to upholding our core belief of providing a healthy, safe and secure learning environment," the statement said.

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. said that given Yockel's access to children, authorities are working to determine if there are additional victims.

Those with information related to this case are urged to contact the local HSI Buffalo office at (716) 464-5923. HSI victim-witness specialists will be available to assist any parent or guardian should they need victim-related resources.

"Based upon his access to children and the nature of the allegations in this case, we believe there is a possibility there are unidentified child victims," Kevin Kelly, special agent-in-charge for HSI Buffalo, said in a release. "We encourage anyone in the Rochester area who may have information that could be relevant to the case to come forward."

WCLEVELAND@Gannett.com

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