LAND O' LAKES, Fla. — A teacher at a Pasco County elementary school was arrested on multiple child pornography charges, according to officials.
A Pasco County school board member said 53-year-old Joseph Watson, a music teacher at Oakstead Elementary School in Land O' Lakes, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of promotion of child pornography and two counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
WATCH: Pasco elementary school teacher, church choir leader arrested on child pornography charges
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said their investigation began on May 9, when they received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children about a social media user sharing files depicting sexual abuse of children.
During the investigation, agents learned that Watson was the account holder and received and shared two of the files containing the material. On May 12, agents interviewed Watson at Oakstead, where he admitted to the acts.
“I understand that this individual was a teacher. But these criminals, these lowlifes that commit these crimes are in every facet of our community," said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.
The FDLE confirmed that the charges are not connected to Watson's role at the school. The school said he is no longer on campus and has no further contact with students.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said on social media that Watson was also a local church choir leader and prosecutors "will bring down the full weight of the law on this predator."
Today, the Office of Statewide Prosecution worked with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Pasco County Sheriff's Office to arrest Joseph Allen Watson of Land O’ Lakes for possession of child sexual abuse material.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) May 12, 2025
Watson is a soon-to-be former elementary school…
"I can promise you that when I find out there is a chance someone hurt our kids, I will personally do everything I can to ensure they never see the light of day," school board member Jessica Wright said.
Watson was booked into the Pasco County Jail on a $120,000 bond.
This is still an ongoing investigation. If you have any information to assist law enforcement, contact the FDLE at (800) 226-1140.
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