‘Teacher of the Year’ arrested on child porn charges

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) - A teacher in North Carolina has been arrested on child porn charges after a raid Monday morning.

Authorities say Jesse Cassino, a teacher at Northeastern High School, is facing several counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor after a search of his home on Chalk Street.

According to police, officers at the home found several videos that showed children between the ages of 11 and 14 engaged in sexual acts.

Cassino reportedly be seen wearing a Northeastern T-shirt in his mug shot.

Elizabeth City Pasquotank Public Schools Associate Superintendent Rachael Haines said the 42-year-old has been suspended pending an investigation.

Cassino was recently congratulated for being named “Teacher of the Year” at Northeastern High School for the current school year.

Cassino was jailed on a $200,000 bond. Authorities said an investigation remains ongoing.