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Michael F. Wagner, 39, of Hopatcong, was charged with second-degree child endangerment, possession of child sexual abuse material, and invasion of privacy, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said in a joint release.
The investigation began on Wednesday, Oct. 12, when a teacher at Pope John High School in Sparta overheard several eighth-grade students talking about Wagner, their teacher, who was allegedly recording them during class.
Sparta Police arrived at the school to investigate and found hundreds of photos and videos that Wagner had taken of students while positioning the camera at an angle to record underneath their clothing, authorities said.
A search of his personal electronic devices allegedly found less than 1,000 items showing the sexual exploitation or abuse of children.
Wagner was arrested on Monday, Oct. 17 and held pending a detention hearing.
Meanwhile, Wagner was immediately suspended from the school and is “strictly prohibited from access to or presence at any school property or function,” Diocese of Paterson Director of Communications Jai Agnish said in a statement. He was also directed not to come into contact with any students.
“Mr. Wagner was in full compliance with all Diocesan protocols, including N.J. State Dept. of Education Fingerprint Background Check,” Agnish said.
“The Diocese of Paterson and Pope John XXIII Regional High School continue to cooperate fully with the Sussex County Prosecutor.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brian Hassloch of the Sparta Police Department at 973-726-4067 or the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-383-1570.
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