A music teacher at the prestigious Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N) private school in Cambridge has been charged with multiple counts related to the online exploitation of minors. Joshua DeWitte, 50, was arrested on Thursday morning and appeared in Cambridge District Court on several serious charges, including distributing obscene material to minors and possession of child pornography. This case has sent shockwaves through both the private and public school communities in Cambridge, as DeWitte previously taught in the city’s public schools for over a decade.
The investigation into DeWitte's activities began when the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force flagged suspicious behavior on his Snapchat account. Law enforcement officials discovered that DeWitte allegedly used the platform to engage in inappropriate conversations with underage individuals. The content of these interactions included explicit messages and the exchange of sexual images. Authorities are currently working to identify any potential victims, though there is no evidence linking the victims to BB&N or Cambridge Public Schools.
DeWitte’s arrest has raised concerns about background checks and hiring practices within educational institutions. BB&N has stated that they conducted thorough reference checks before employing him but did not uncover any red flags. Meanwhile, the Cambridge Public Schools have communicated with families at schools where DeWitte previously worked and are offering support services to those who may be affected by this news. The district has assured parents that counselors are available to provide assistance.
In court, DeWitte was ordered to surrender his passport and is prohibited from contacting any victims or witnesses. Additionally, he must refrain from working with children under the age of 18. His bail was set at $8,000, and the next court date is scheduled for January 31. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and stringent safeguards in protecting young people from exploitation.