Former Newton Teacher Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Child Porn

Roughly a year after he was first arrested on child porn charges, former Newton elementary school teacher David Ettlinger was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison today for charges stemming from his connection to an international child pornography site.

The sentencing came down today in a Louisiana federal court, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. In addition to his 45 years in federal prison, Ettlinger was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervision. 

Ettlinger pleaded guilty in August 2012 to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.

Officials say Ettlinger was involved with the child pornography site known as Dreamboard. According to the press release, Ettlinger -- known as "ee1" -- had been an active member on the website since 2009.

Ettlinger worked in the Newton Public Schools for more than 10 years, teaching at Peirce Elementary School and more recently, Underwood Elementary School. 

In January 2012, Ettlinger was one of many arrested following an investigation of the online child porn site Dreamboard. He resigned a few days after his arrest.

The ongoing investigation of Dreamboard, known as Operation Delego, was launched in December 2009 and targeted individuals around the world for their participation in the site, the press release said.

According to the press release, Dreamboard was a private, members-only, online bulletin board that promoted pedophilia and encouraged sexual abuse of young children. The site was in an environment designed to avoid law enforcement detection. 

A total of 72 individuals, including Ettlinger, have been charged as a result of the Dreamboard investigation.

Shortly after Ettlinger's arrest, the Newton Public Schools held several community meetings to talk with parents about the allegations. A few months later, the schools expanded background check procedures for Newton teachers.

Aside from his federal case, Ettlinger also faces state charges of child porn possession and indecent assault charges in Middlesex and Suffolk Counties. None of the victims were his students, officials say.