Crime & Safety

Former Newton Teacher May Plead Guilty to Federal Charges

David Ettlinger faces a slew of child pornography and assault charges on a state and federal level.

A former Newton elementary school teacher who faces multiple charges of child pornography possession and indecent assault may plead guilty in a Louisiana federal court.

According to a report Wednesday in the Boston Herald, a lawyer for David Ettlinger told the court last week her client will enter a guilty plea.

For a full report, check out the Herald story here. 

Find out what's happening in Newtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ettlinger, 34, is represented by Jennifer Culotta, who told the Herald it was her decision to "explore" the option of filing a guilty plea. Culotta said she still needs to speak with both Ettlinger and federal prosecutors about the option before making a final decision.

In addition to his federal charges of child exploitation, Ettlinger faces charges in Massachusetts related to . 

Find out what's happening in Newtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 and later indicted in both and . He was held on $100,000 and $50,000 cash bail, respectively. 

However, in April, a Suffolk Superior Court magistrate and reduced his bail in order for him to be detained by federal officials and face charges out of Louisiana. 

Ettlinger taught in the Newton Public Schools for 12 years, at both  and  Elementary. .

In the wake of this case, administrators in the Newton Public Schools and to screen teacher applicants and current employees.

For complete coverage on this case, visit this story's topic page


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