A respected music educator in Cambridge has come under scrutiny following his arrest on Thursday for charges related to child pornography. Joshua Philip DeWitte, 49, who is currently employed at Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N), a private school, faces multiple counts including possession and distribution of child exploitation material. The police are conducting an ongoing investigation to identify any potential victims, emphasizing that no evidence links the alleged crimes to BB&N or Cambridge Public Schools students. This incident has sparked concern within the educational community, prompting both institutions to take immediate action.

The arrest of Mr. DeWitte has brought significant attention to the safety measures in place at educational institutions. Having previously served as a music teacher in the Cambridge Public Schools system for 13 years, DeWitte's history includes teaching at various schools, including Peabody and Rindge Avenue Upper School. Upon joining BB&N at the start of the current academic year, he successfully passed all required background checks. In response to the allegations, BB&N has placed DeWitte on administrative leave and issued a no-trespass order for the campus. Head of School Jen Price assured parents of continued cooperation with authorities and support for the student body during this challenging time.

Cambridge Public Schools also addressed the situation, stating they have no information linking the alleged offenses to their students or DeWitte’s tenure with them. They emphasized adherence to policies regarding employee confidentiality while expressing commitment to student safety. Both institutions plan to provide further updates and support to affected families. Parents are encouraged to report any concerns about interactions with DeWitte to appropriate authorities.

In court, DeWitte entered a plea of not guilty and was held on bail. His legal team did not immediately comment on the charges. The case highlights the importance of rigorous vetting processes and continuous vigilance in safeguarding children's welfare in educational settings. As investigations continue, both BB&N and Cambridge Public Schools reaffirm their dedication to ensuring safe learning environments for all students.