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Lawrence Costella, an educator at Atholton High School in Howard County, was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 7 in Baltimore County and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography, according to a letter sent to the school community by principal Robert Motley.
It was Costella’s second year at Atholton High School, Motley said.
“Please be assured that prior to being hired by the Howard County Public School System, he underwent a criminal background check and fingerprinting, as is the process for any new hire,” he noted.
Costella was placed on administrative leave by the school and is no longer permitted on school property pending the outcome of the investigation into the criminal case.
A substitute has been secured for Costella’s classroom until further notice, according to officials.
“Again, I am sorry to share this disturbing news,” Motley said. “Please know that the entire Atholton High School staff is available to provide support to our families as you process this information.”
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