An Atascadero Unified School District teacher was arrested Monday on suspicion of producing child pornography.
Atascadero police say Chris Lynn Berdoll, 48, recorded video of female students’ undergarments.
Berdoll, a sixth-grade and visual arts teacher at the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy, faces charges of sexual exploitation of a child, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
The school district reported the allegations to the police department and officials say the parents of the victims were notified.
Anyone who believes their child may have also been victimized is urged to contact the Atascadero Police Department at (805) 461-5051.
Police say the videos they recovered did not show any adult contact with the children and physical molestation is not suspected.
School district officials released the following statement Monday:
"The Atascadero Unified School District is committed to student safety and is thankful to the individuals who brought forward initial concerns and allegations about a staff member at the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy. These courageous individuals who "saw something and said something," allowed the District to take immediate action to ensure student safety.
The Atascadero Unified School District responds to all reports of alleged misconduct seriously and places student safety as our number one priority. In doing so, the District took immediate action by notifying the Atascadero Police Department and placing the employee on administrative leave to protect students, while conducting a thorough internal investigation. Should these allegations be confirmed, AUSD will pursue the termination of the employee. As an active investigation involving juvenile victims is currently ongoing, the District is unable to comment at this time.
As a commitment to the wellbeing of our students, additional counseling services are available. AUSD believes that the safety of our students, staff, and community is paramount and works diligently to make certain that safety remains first and foremost."
