News Summary

Michael George Poda, a 34-year-old band teacher from Schofield Middle School in Aiken, South Carolina, was arrested on multiple charges of child pornography possession. His arrest follows an investigation initiated by a CyberTip report, leading to the discovery of explicit materials involving minors at his home. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, aided by several agencies, is conducting further inquiries into potential abuse. Poda has been placed on administrative leave and released on bail, raising concerns about student safety in the community.

Aiken County Band Teacher Arrested on Multiple Counts of Child Pornography Possession

Aiken, South Carolina – Michael George Poda, a 34-year-old band teacher at Schofield Middle School, was arrested by local authorities on July 9 after being charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree. His arrest marks a serious development in an ongoing investigation into child pornography.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Poda’s home, uncovering explicit images and videos involving female juveniles. The materials included footage of girls aged 10 to 12, along with a video depicting a girl aged 12 to 14 in explicit conduct. Among the items found was a particularly graphic image that showed a fully nude girl facing the camera. In another discovered image, one girl was fully nude, while the other was partially clothed.

The investigation began following a CyberTip report submitted to the authorities by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service in handling this case.

In light of the charges, Poda has been placed on administrative leave by the school district, signaling the seriousness with which the educational institution is treating the allegations. He has since been released on a $15,000 bond following his arrest.

Context of the Incident

This arrest comes on the heels of another high-profile case involving Ryan Manley, a former middle school teacher in Richmond County, who faced similar charges of child pornography. These incidents raise significant concerns regarding the safety of students and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect their charges from potential abuse.

As a band teacher for the past two years, Poda was part of the educational landscape at Schofield Middle School, where he interacted frequently with students and managed school musical activities. Authorities are conducting a comprehensive review of his interactions with students and any potential abuse that could have occurred during his tenure at the school.

Implications for the Community

The nature of these charges has sent shockwaves through the Aiken County community, as parents, teachers, and students grapple with the reality of such allegations involving a trusted educator. Local authorities aim to reassure community members by emphasizing that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of children. Discussions around safeguarding measures and the importance of vigilant reporting of suspicious behavior will likely become more prevalent as the investigation unfolds.

Community forums and meetings may be organized in the near future to address concerns and improve awareness regarding child safety and preventive measures against exploitation. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and to establish open lines of communication with their children about safety and appropriate boundaries, ensuring they feel supported in reporting any uncomfortable situations.

Authorities continue to investigate Poda’s activities prior to his arrest as part of the broader effort to address and mitigate sexual exploitation against minors. As this case progresses, it underscores the need for ongoing education and resources focused on child safety in the digital age.

The investigation remains active, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.

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HERE Resources

Aiken Band Teacher Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of Minor

Additional Resources

• WRDW: Aiken County Band Teacher Charged
• Wikipedia: Child Pornography
• Augusta Press: Aiken County Arrests Band Teacher
• Google Search: Aiken County Band Teacher Arrested
• WFXG: Aiken Band School Teacher Arrested
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Exploitation
• Post and Courier: Schofield Teacher Arrested
• Google News: Sexual Exploitation of Minors
• WJBF: Aiken Man Arrested for Sexual Exploitation
• Google Scholar: Child Exploitation

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.