A News Release issued by the Office of District Attorney Mark Peterson Friday:
On Thursday April 7th, 2016, David Prashker was found guilty of Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of California Penal Code section 311.11(a).
On February 18th, 2016, investigators from the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant in the 3600 block of Bickerstaff Rd in Lafayette. As officers were attempting to contact Mr. Prashker at his residence, he fled to the back of the house and threw a laptop computer from his second floor bedroom into the backyard. Forensic examiners recovered the laptop, and an initial analysis revealed its hard drive contained evidence of child pornography.
Mr. Prashker was charged in a criminal complaint on February 22nd, 2016 with the possession of distribution of child pornography and attempting to destroy evidence. Under a plea agreement, Mr. Prashker admitted that on February 18th, 2016, he knowingly possessed electronic matter depicting a child under 18 years old engaged in sexual activity.
Mr. Prashker will serve 100 days in county jail and serve a period of three years on probation. In addition, Mr. Prashker was ordered to register a sex offender. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Cheryl Mills, Superior Court Judge.
Mr. Prashker, a 60 year-old resident of Lafayette, has been a teacher and school administrator for 30 years, having held positions in Toronto, Canada; London, England; and Miami, Florida. Most recently, Mr. Prashker has been employed as a substitute teacher at two private schools in central Contra Costa County. The schools have been notified; there is no evidence at this point that Mr. Prashker engaged in any crimes involving the students of either school.
“This office will hold accountable those individuals with a position of trust over children who chose to violate that trust by possessing and distributing child pornography. With National Victims’ Rights Week this month, it is important to remember that when images of a child being sexually assaulted are distributed across the internet, the child is re-victimized each time” said District Attorney Mark Peterson.
100 days in county jail and three years probation is a very light sentence. He’s been around children a very long time.
Does he lose his job as a teacher? And will he serve his probation in Lafayette?
No illicit contact with his students. That’s good. Hard to believe how many of these people find their way into the profession.
There was no inappropriate contact with any of his current students which is huge but I think it is important the authorities take appropriate steps to make sure he has no contact with children in the future. If he does come back to Lafayette I do not think it will be pleasant for him. Can he move or is he limited under the terms of his probation???? I do not like mobs but I also believe reasonable caution needs to be exercised in cases like these.
100 days and 3 years probation for a teacher caught red-handed with child pornography … something to remember when that judge is next up for election — in 5 years.
Emotional issue and I get why people are upset but I don’t think we need to revert to Sharia Law just yet.
Perhaps pick a new town and a new profession?
No more teaching. And yes he may want to move if he can do that under the terms of his probation. Registering as a sex offender can’t be an easy thing but it is clear he knew what he was doing was wrong.
When someone runs from the police and tries to discard evidence, it reveals that they clearly knew it was illegal, and that they are in trouble. That is NOT the same as knowing “he was doing wrong”. This guy has “needs” that are not socially acceptable and that threaten the most vulnerable among us. If he does know he is doing wrong, he simply can’t stop himself. It’s not unlike a sad, needy, narcissus running for President who will do anything and say anything to be the center of attention, even if he is loathed by most people…It’s simply an unhealthy need that inadvertently threatens the vulnerable among us, isn’t it?
Sick. No more contact with kids.
Tell me there’s body cam imagery of this guy chucking his laptop out the window!