Breaking: Former Broad Acres Elem. @mcps SCHOOL TEACHER PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY [@mcps Personnel File Exposed by FBI]

Remember when this former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher was arrested in August of 2021 by the FBI in Buffalo, New York? 

As part of Richard Scherer's arrest the FBI RELEASED information from this former MCPS teacher's personnel file.

The Parents' Coalition reported on that information in a series of blog posts that can be read at this link. 

Richard Scherer has now plead guilty to a child pornography charge. The FBI press release is below. 

Part 5 in our series is linked below.  Was any of the information in Richard Scherer's personnel file ever reported to Montgomery County Police? 

Were the victims of these acts ever counseled or advised of their rights?  Some of these students could still be in Montgomery County Public Schools. They were elementary school students when Richard Scherer was their teacher. 

Are "students first" in Montgomery County Public Schools or is that just a public relations line used by Superintendent Monifa McKnight? 

Thursday, August 5, 2021

PART 5 - WHAT @mcps @mocoboe KNEW in 2011: MCPS substantiated that SCHERER rubbed the girls’ backs to see if they were wearing a bra, touched the girls’ thighs, commented on their breasts and periods, and asked the girls if they loved him.  

Scherer (Richard) Plea by Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, Maryland on Scribd

PART 8 - What the @mcps SUPERINTENDENT KNEW in 2011: Superintendent Joshua P. Starr wrote to MD State Superintendent to Ask for Scherer's Teaching Certificate to be Revoked, E-mails to Students were "Highly Inappropriate."

@mcps @mocoboe Let's Review What You Knew About Former Broad Acres Elementary School Teacher Richard W. Scherer Back in 2011 While We Wait for Your Official Statement.

The Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD has obtained a copy of the Criminal Complaint and the Affidavit in support of the criminal complaint in the arrest of former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer. 

In Part 8 of our series on the information revealed by the FBI in their Criminal Complaint on former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard W. Scherer, the public learns that back in 2011 MCPS and the Board of Education initiated an internal investigation into teacher Richard W. Scherer's interactions with students.  

The MCPS Investigation Specialists report included quotes from a September 7, 2011, letter from Superintendent [Joshua P. Starr] to the State of Maryland Superintendent of Schools [Bernard J. Sadusky]:

• A September 7, 2011 letter from the Superintendent of MCPS [Joshua P. Starr] to the State of Maryland Superintendent of Schools [Bernard J. Sadusky] was made public by the FBI. 

• The letter stated, “this is to notify you that Mr. Richard W. Scherer, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), resigned after notice of allegations of misconduct involving a student. I recommend that Mr. Scherer’s certificate be revoked.”

• The letter continued, “Mr. Scherer resigned after notice of allegations of inappropriate behavior involving current MCPS students. The investigation conducted by the MCPS Office of Human Resources and Development revealed that Mr. Scherer communicated with the student via text messages that were highly inappropriate.”

Was this information turned over to Child Protective Services?  Was this information turned over to Montgomery County Police? 

Why was a teacher with known inappropriate interactions with children allowed to retire?  

Aren't inappropriate interactions with children an offense that would result in a MCPS employee being fired? Shouldn't this child's statement have been turned over to Child Protective Services and the Montgomery County Police? 

Now there are FIVE MCPS employees and ONE MSDE employee who as MANDATORY REPORTERS should have reported instances of suspected sexual abuse of children to Montgomery County Police or Child Protective Services in 2011.  

Broad Acres Elementary Principal

Broad Acres Assistant Principal

MCPS Investigation Specialist

MCPS Associate Superintendent

MCPS Superintendent

Maryland State Superintendent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT I, Randall E. Garver, being duly sworn, depose and say: 

1. I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and entered on duty in May 2006. I am currently assigned to the Buffalo Field Office and work on cases associated with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, which targets individuals involved in the online sexual exploitation of children...

...During my review, I located a September 7, 2011 letter from the Superintendent of MCPS to the State of Maryland Superintendent of Schools. The letter stated, “this is to notify you that Mr. Richard W. Scherer, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), resigned after notice of allegations of misconduct involving a student. I recommend that Mr. Scherer’s certificate be revoked.”

The letter continued, “Mr. Scherer resigned after notice of allegations of inappropriate behavior involving current MCPS students. The investigation conducted by the MCPS Office of Human Resources and Development revealed that Mr. Scherer communicated with the student via text messages that were highly inappropriate.”..

  More excerpts from the Affidavit will follow in separate posts on this blog.  

PART 7 - WHAT @mcps @mocoboe KNEW in 2011: Children were Scared. Children were Being Hit and Pulled. Children "had to tell someone about this before this gets out of hand."

@mcps @mocoboe Let's Review What You Knew About Former Broad Acres Elementary School Teacher Richard W. Scherer Back in 2011 While We Wait for Your Official Statement.

The Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD has obtained a copy of the Criminal Complaint and the Affidavit in support of the criminal complaint in the arrest of former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer. 

In Part 7 of our series on the information revealed by the FBI in their Criminal Complaint on former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard W. Scherer the public learns that back in 2011, MCPS and the Board of Education initiated an internal investigation into teacher Richard W. Scherer's interactions with students.  

The MCPS Investigation Specialists report included a statement written by a student that said:

• the children were scared,
• the children were being hit,
• the children were being pulled,
• the situation with their MCPS teacher, Richard W. Scherer, was getting out of hand.

Was the statement from the victim turned over to Child Protective Services?  Was the statement turned over to Montgomery County Police? 

Why was a teacher with known inappropriate interactions with children allowed to retire?  

Aren't inappropriate interactions with children an offense that would result in a MCPS employee being fired? Shouldn't this child's statement have been turned over to Child Protective Services and the Montgomery County Police? 

So far, there are FOUR MCPS employees who as MANDATORY REPORTERS should have reported instances of suspected sexual abuse of children to Montgomery County Police or Child Protective Services in 2011.  

Broad Acres Elementary Principal

Broad Acres Assistant Principal

MCPS Investigation Specialist

MCPS Associate Superintendent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT I, Randall E. Garver, being duly sworn, depose and say: 

1. I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and entered on duty in May 2006. I am currently assigned to the Buffalo Field Office and work on cases associated with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, which targets individuals involved in the online sexual exploitation of children...

...One of the report’s addendums was a statement written by one of the students: that stated, “me and [redacted by MCPS] are scard (sic) at this point for the hugging, the hitting her the pulling us so we had to tell someone about this before this gets out of hand.”..

  More excerpts from the Affidavit will follow in separate posts on this blog.  

PART 6 - WHAT @mcps @mocoboe DID NOT DO in 2011: They did not FIRE a teacher with KNOWN Inappropriate Interactions with Elementary Students. Did they even Report to CPS or the Police?

@mcps @mocoboe Let's Review What You Knew About Former Broad Acres ES Teacher Richard W. Scherer Back in 2011 While We Wait for Your Official Statement.

The Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD has obtained a copy of the Criminal Complaint and the Affidavit in support of the criminal complaint in the arrest of former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer. 

In Part 6 of our series on the information revealed by the FBI in their Criminal Complaint on former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard W. Scherer the public learns that back in 2011, MCPS and the Board of Education initiated an internal investigation into teacher Richard W. Scherer's interactions with students.  

The MCPS Investigation Specialists report revealed that:

• on August 18, 2011, SCHERER received certain details of the MCPS investigation,

•  and that he submitted his retirement on September 1, 2011

MCPS and the Montgomery County Board of Education let TWO WEEKS go by after they informed Mr. Scherer of their investigation. 

In 2011, the first day of school for students was Monday, August 29th. 

Was the information that had been substantiated in the MCPS Investigation Specialists Report turned over to Child Protective Services?  Was the information turned over to Montgomery County Police? 

Why was a teacher with known inappropriate interactions with children allowed to retire?  

Aren't inappropriate interactions with children an offense that would result in a MCPS employee being fired?

So far, there are FOUR MCPS employees who as MANDATORY REPORTERS should have reported instances of suspected sexual abuse of children to Montgomery County Police or Child Protective Services in 2011.  

Broad Acres Elementary Principal

Broad Acres Assistant Principal

MCPS Investigation Specialist

MCPS Associate Superintendent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT I, Randall E. Garver, being duly sworn, depose and say: 

1. I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and entered on duty in May 2006. I am currently assigned to the Buffalo Field Office and work on cases associated with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, which targets individuals involved in the online sexual exploitation of children...

...The [MCPS Investigation Specialists] report stated that on August 18, 2011, SCHERER received certain details of the MCPS investigation and that he submitted his retirement on September 1, 2011...

 More excerpts from the Affidavit will follow in separate posts on this blog.  

PART 5 - WHAT @mcps @mocoboe KNEW in 2011: MCPS substantiated that SCHERER rubbed the girls’ backs to see if they were wearing a bra, touched the girls’ thighs, commented on their breasts and periods, and asked the girls if they loved him.

@mcps @mocoboe Let's Review What You Knew About Former Broad Acres ES Teacher Richard Scherer Back in 2011 While We Wait for Your Official Statement.

The Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD has obtained a copy of the Criminal Complaint and the Affidavit in support of the criminal complaint in the arrest of former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer. 

In Part 5 of our series on the information revealed by the FBI in their Criminal Complaint on former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard W. Scherer the public learns that back in 2011, MCPS and the Board of Education initiated an internal investigation into teacher Richard W. Scherer's interactions with students.  

The MCPS Investigation Specialists report substantiated that:

• SCHERER rubbed the girls’ backs to see if they were wearing a bra,

• touched the girls’ thighs, 

• commented on their breasts and periods, 

• and asked the girls if they loved him.

So far, there are FOUR MCPS employees who as MANDATORY REPORTERS should have reported instances of suspected sexual abuse of children to Montgomery County Police or Child Protective Services in 2011.  

Broad Acres Elementary Principal

Broad Acres Assistant Principal

MCPS Investigation Specialist

MCPS Associate Superintendent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT I, Randall E. Garver, being duly sworn, depose and say: 

1. I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and entered on duty in May 2006. I am currently assigned to the Buffalo Field Office and work on cases associated with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, which targets individuals involved in the online sexual exploitation of children...

...The [MCPS Investigation Specialist] document also substantiated that SCHERER rubbed the girls’ backs to see if they were wearing a bra, touched the girls’ thighs, commented on their breasts and periods, and asked the girls if they loved him...

 More excerpts from the Affidavit will follow in separate posts on this blog.  

 

PART 4 - WHAT @mcps @mocoboe KNEW in 2011: SCHERER took students to Cheesecake Factory, Movies, Miniature Golf. Trips with Students were CONFIRMED by MCPS Investigation. Were Police or CPS Notified?

@mcps @mocoboe Let's Review What You Knew About Former Broad Acres ES Teacher Richard Scherer Back in 2011 While We Wait for Your Official Statement.

The Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD has obtained a copy of the Criminal Complaint and the Affidavit in support of the criminal complaint in the arrest of former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer. 

In Part 4 of our series on the information revealed by the FBI in their Criminal Complaint on former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard W. Scherer the public learns that back in 2011, MCPS and the Board of Education knew that: 

• Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer had taken students to the Cheesecake Factory Restaurant, movies, and miniature golf. 

• MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer exchanged text messages and Facebook messages with students. 

• MCPS ordered an internal investigation into Richard Scherer's interactions with students.

• The MCPS internal investigation substantiated the information that had been gathered in the report.  That is, the students were telling the truth about MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer's interactions with them. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT I, Randall E. Garver, being duly sworn, depose and say: 

1. I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and entered on duty in May 2006. I am currently assigned to the Buffalo Field Office and work on cases associated with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, which targets individuals involved in the online sexual exploitation of children...

...The same report continued with the principal learning that SCHERER also took both middle school girls to the Cheesecake Factory and exchanged text and Facebook messages. The report then stated that on June 14, 2011, the MCPS ordered the investigation and on June 15, 2011, the District placed SCHERER on administrative leave. The document then discussed how MCPS substantiated the information detailed herein, including trips with the students to restaurants, movies, and miniature golf...

So far, there are FOUR MCPS employees who as MANDATORY REPORTERS should have reported instances of suspected sexual abuse of children to Montgomery County Police or Child Protective Services in 2011.  

Broad Acres Elementary Principal

Broad Acres Assistant Principal

MCPS Investigation Specialist

MCPS Associate Superintendent

More excerpts from the Affidavit will follow in separate posts on this blog.  

PART 3 - WHAT @mcps @mocoboe KNEW in 2011: More Potential Victims - SCHERER remarked “your boobs are growing”, SCHERER [told sister], “I love you” and kissed the...hand, SCHERER texts with this student’s older sister and messaged the older sister on Facebook

@mcps @mocoboe Let's Review What You Knew About Former Broad Acres ES Teacher Richard Scherer Back in 2011 While We Wait for Your Official Statement.

The Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD has obtained a copy of the Criminal Complaint and the Affidavit in support of the criminal complaint in the arrest of former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer. 

• In this part of the Affidavit the public learns that the Broad Acres Elementary School Principal spoke to the friend of the first student that filed a complaint.  

• In this part of the Affidavit it is revealed that the older sister of this student was also a potential victim of Richard W. Scherer. 

• Mr. Scherer is alleged to have texted and sent Facebook messages to the older sister. 

Now, there are FOUR MCPS employees who as MANDATORY REPORTERS should have reported this alleged sexual abuse to Montgomery County Police or Child Protective Services in 2011.  

Broad Acres Elementary Principal

Broad Acres Assistant Principal

MCPS Investigation Specialist

MCPS Associate Superintendent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT I, Randall E. Garver, being duly sworn, depose and say: 

1. I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and entered on duty in May 2006. I am currently assigned to the Buffalo Field Office and work on cases associated with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, which targets individuals involved in the online sexual exploitation of children...

...The same report continued by stating that the school principal told the MCPS investigator that spoke to the friend (the other student) who told the principal that SCHERER hugs her and touches her thigh. SCHERER remarked “your boobs are growing” to the middle school aged older sister of the same student. The girl told the principal she heard SCHERER tell the same middle school aged sister, “I love you” and kissed the older sister’s hand. The report stated that SCHERER texts with this student’s older sister and messaged the older sister on Facebook to have her friend “wear a tank top so that he can see how much her boobs have grown.” SCHERER asked one of the middle school aged girls if she got her period yet. The student told the principal that her middle school aged sister once took her sweater off in SCHERER’s classroom before putting it back on when she felt uncomfortable; “Mr. Scherer told her in a strict way to take it off.”..

 More excerpts from the Affidavit will follow in separate posts on this blog.  

Part 2 - WHAT @mcps @mocoboe KNEW in 2011: "SCHERER has lunch with a particular student, “he pulls her to him and hugs her, that he has patted her rear end and hips, and that he pressures her to each lunch with him.' "

@mcps @mocoboe Let's Review What You Knew About Former Broad Acres ES Teacher Richard Scherer Back in 2011 While We Wait for Your Official Statement.

The Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD has obtained a copy of the Criminal Complaint and the Affidavit in support of the criminal complaint in the arrest of former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer.

• In the Affidavit the public learns that the parent of a 4th Grade student came to Broad Acres Elementary School (the only MCPS school Richard W. Scherer worked at according to MCPS) on June 13, 2011, to make a report about inappropriate behavior on the part of Mr. Scherer.

• The parent made the complaint to the Broad Acres Elementary School Assistant Principal.  

• The Board of Education KNOWS THE NAME OF THE PARENT who filed the complaint. 

• The Board of Education allowed MCPS to do their OWN INVESTIGATION of these allegations. An MCPS Investigation Specialist investigated and wrote a report.

• The MCPS Investigation Specialist's Report was sent to a MCPS ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT.

• Why did the Board of Education allow MCPS to do their own investigation when educators are MANDATORY REPORTERS in Maryland and Montgomery County Police and Child Protective Services should have been notified IMMEDIATELY.  

How many other sexual abuse allegations did MCPS INVESTIGATION SPECIALISTS investigate without contacting Montgomery County Police or Child Protective Services? 

Potential victims of these alleged crimes would now be around 19 years old. Some could still be in a MCPS high school.

So far, there were THREE MCPS employees who as MANDATORY REPORTERS should have reported this alleged sexual abuse to Montgomery County Police or Child Protective Services in 2011.  

Broad Acres Elementary Assistant Principal

MCPS Investigation Specialist

MCPS Associate Superintendent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT I, Randall E. Garver, being duly sworn, depose and say: 

1. I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and entered on duty in May 2006. I am currently assigned to the Buffalo Field Office and work on cases associated with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, which targets individuals involved in the online sexual exploitation of children...

...During my review, I found an August 22, 2011, memorandum authored by an MCPS Investigation Specialist that was sent to one of MCPS’s Associate Superintendents. The memo was a summary, with attachments, of the MCPS investigation. The report stated, “On June 13, 2011, the parent of a 4th grade student, [redacted by MCPS], came to the school and made a report to an assistant principal about some concerns she had regarding possible inappropriate behavior by Mr. Scherer while interacting with students.” The report stated that the student related that when SCHERER has lunch with a particular student, “he pulls her to him and hugs her, that he has patted her rear end and hips, and that he pressures her to each lunch with him.” The parent advised that her daughter and the daughter’s friend are often pressured to each lunch with SCHERER...

More excerpts from the Affidavit will follow in separate posts on this blog.  

Part 1 - @mcps @mocoboe Let's Review What You Knew About Former Broad Acres ES Teacher Richard Scherer Back in 2011 While We Wait for Your Official Statement.

The Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, MD has obtained a copy of the Criminal Complaint and the Affidavit in support of the criminal complaint in the arrest of former MCPS Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer.  

The first thing we learn from this Affidavit is that a Grand Jury met and subpoenaed Richard Scherer's employment records from Montgomery County Public Schools.  MCPS responded to that subpoena on July 20, 2021.

Below is our first excerpt from the Affidavit.  

More excerpts from the Affidavit will follow in separate posts on this blog.    

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT I, Randall E. Garver, being duly sworn, depose and say: 

1. I am a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and entered on duty in May 2006. I am currently assigned to the Buffalo Field Office and work on cases associated with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, which targets individuals involved in the online sexual exploitation of children. As part of these duties, I have become involved in the investigation of suspected violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251, 2252, 2252A, 2422, 2423, and 2261. I have also participated in various FBI mandated and volunteer training for the investigation and enforcement of federal child pornography laws, Sexual Enticement, Travel to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, and Cyberstalking laws in which computers or smartphones/devices are used for engaging in such violations of Federal law.

On July 20, 2021, pursuant to a Grand Jury subpoena issued in the Western District of New York, Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools (MCPS) provided records relating to SCHERER’s employment.

 

FORMER MCPS TEACHER ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY POSSESSION

Richard W. Scherer, 70, who was a teacher for approximately 25 years in Montgomery County Public Schools, was arrested and charged with enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography.

According to the Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office of New York, Scherer resigned from his position as an English for Speakers of Other Languages in September of 2011 after being notified of allegations of misconduct involving a student. At that time, MCPS recommended that his certificate be revoked, and it eventually was.

According to a MCPS spokesperson, Scherer worked at Broad Acres Elementary in Silver Spring the entire time he was with the school district.

On June 12, 2011, a parent of a fourth grade student reported that she was concerned that Scherer had inappropriate interaction with students. A report from MCPS noted the student said when Scherer has lunch with a particular student “he pulls her to him and hugs her, that he has patted her rear end and hips, and that he pressures her to [eat] lunch with him,” according to the DOJ report...

https://www.mymcmedia.org/former-mcps-teacher-arrested-for-child-pornography-possession/

On July 20, 2021, pursuant to a Grand Jury subpoena issued in the Western District of NY, MCPS provided records relating to SCHERER’s employment.

Let's start the clock on the Board of Education's public statement regarding the arrest of former Broad Acres Elementary School teacher Richard Scherer.  

MCPS has a robust public information office, they should be spitting out a statement any moment, correct? 

On July 20, 2021, MCPS turned over the personnel file of former Broad Acres teacher Richard Scherer in response to a Grand Jury subpoena from the Western District of New York.  Information contained in that file was included in the Criminal Complaint when Mr. Scherer was arrested last week. 

As of today, the Montgomery County Board of Education hasn't said a word about this arrest.  In fact, the Board of Education never even told the Broad Acres Elementary School community that this teacher had his teaching license revoked in 2011 because of "notice of allegation of misconduct involving a student in any school system or any minor, or allegation of misconduct."

It's been just about 10 years since then Superintendent Joshua P. Starr wrote to the Maryland State Department of Education concerning this teachers' license.  Clearly, the Montgomery County Board of Education has had ample opportunity to notify the Broad Acres Elementary School community of their concerns regarding this teacher.  

They got away with not mentioning their concerns about this teacher for almost 10 years.  But now, a Grand Jury has forced their hand.  

How many days have passed without the Montgomery County Board of Education notifying the public of the arrest of a former Broad Acres Elementary School teacher?  

Will the Montgomery County Board of Education ever notify potential victims?  

Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 716-843-1680.

Former Montgomery County School Teacher Richard Scherer Charged For Chil...

Broad Acres Elem. Alumni: Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 716-843-1680.

Spanish Version of Press Release

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of New York

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 30, 2021

Retired School Teacher Arrested And Charged With Enticement Of A Minor And Possession Of Child Pornography

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard W. Scherer, 70, of Depew, NY, was arrested and charged by complaint with enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, on June 28, 2021, the FBI received information regarding the defendant from a citizens group known as Predator Poacher, which maintains a website and YouTube channel. The group maintains several online accounts that purport to be minors of various ages, using the accounts to chat with adults who later meet for sexual contact. These contacts are recorded, the individuals interviewed, and the videos then posted to the group’s platforms. A member of the group made contact with Scherer on the Instagram account richard_scherer. The defendant believed the member was a 13-year-old girl. The communications between the two were sexual in nature and culminated with a planned meeting at a retail store on Amherst Street in Buffalo. When Scherer arrived, the group confronted him outside the store and interviewed him for about 58 minutes, during which he allegedly admitted that he is a pedophile. The Buffalo Police were called following the interview.

Subsequently, investigators accessed Scherer’s communications with the purported 13-year-old girl, which occurred between April and June 2021. During those communications, which became graphic and sexual in nature, the defendant mentioned he was a teacher, who taught sexual education in the past. On June 27, 2021, Scherer arranged to meet the purported 13-year-old girl the following day, and when he showed up for that meeting, the defendant was confronted by members of Predator Poacher. The final text from Scherer was “I’m here.” According to the complaint, the defendant also communicated with a purported eight-year-old girl through Predator Poacher, during which the communications also became graphic and sexual in nature.

Scherer was a teacher for approximately 25 years in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. A report obtained from the school system during the investigation stated, “On June 13, 2011, the parent of a 4th grade student, [redacted by MCPS], came to the school and made a report to an assistant principal about some concerns she had regarding possible inappropriate behavior by Mr. Scherer while interacting with students.” The report stated that the student related that when the defendant has lunch with a particular student, “he pulls her to him and hugs her, that he has patted her rear end and hips, and that he pressures her to each lunch with him.” The parent advised that her daughter and the daughter’s friend are often pressured to each lunch with Scherer. In September 2011, the Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools sent a letter to the State of Maryland Superintendent of Schools. The letter stated, “this is to notify you that Mr. Richard W. Scherer, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools, resigned after notice of allegations of misconduct involving a student. I recommend that Mr. Scherer’s certificate be revoked.” The defendant’s teaching certificate was subsequently revoked.

A search of the defendant’s cell phone recovered two images of child pornography.

Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 716-843-1680.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Stephen Belongia, Special Agent-in-Charge.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

# # # #

 Topic(s): 

Project Safe Childhood

Component(s): 

USAO - New York, Western

(Highlights added by PCMC)

Breaking: WTOP - "School leaders were aware of inappropriate behavior when 70-year-old Richard Scherer was working in Maryland" @mcps @mocoboe #JoshuaPStarr

 

Former Montgomery Co. teacher faces federal child porn charges

A former Montgomery County schoolteacher who taught in Silver Spring, Maryland, for 25 years is now facing charges of enticing a child and possessing child pornography in New York.

School leaders were aware of inappropriate behavior when 70-year-old Richard Scherer was working in Maryland and recommended his teaching license be revoked, according to investigators...

https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2021/08/former-montgomery-co-teacher-faces-federal-child-porn-charges/

BREAKING NEWS: WTOP - Man who worked in MCPS for 25 years is charged with Child Pornography and Enticement in NY

The MCPS teacher retired after accusations of inappropriate interactions with MCPS students at Broad Acres Elementary School.  

WTOP is covering this breaking story this afternoon.  Tune in to WTOP for full story.  

Broad Acres ES, Northwest HS, Churchill HS: COVID-19 Positive Cases Announced

 March 16, 2021

March 15, 2021

Dear JoAnn Leleck Elementary School at Broad Acres Parents and Families,

This is Dr. Barber, calling with an important message. Earlier today, an individual who was at our school is presumed positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Following Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines, we notified individuals who were known to have direct contact with this individual and have advised them to quarantine for 14 days... https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=10571&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

March 16, 2021

Dear Northwest Families,

This letter is to inform you that an individual participating in our athletics program, who was last present outside on Northwest HS grounds on Friday, March 12, 2021, tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). We wish the individual well and look forward to their safe return once they have been medically cleared.  Following Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines, we notified individuals who were known to have direct contact and have advised them to quarantine for 14 days... https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=10570&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

March 16, 2021

Dear Winston Churchill Parents and Families,

This letter is to inform you that an individual who was last present at Winston Churchill High School between March 8, 2021 and March 11, 2021, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Following Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines, we notified individuals who were known to have direct contact with this individual and have advised them to quarantine for 14 days...https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=10569&type=&startYear=&pageNumber=&mode=

MCPS 2013 Grade 3 MSA Math Scores

School Name	Grade 3 Math 2013
Carderock Springs Elementary	100
Cashell Elementary	100
Wayside Elementary	98.92473118
Cold Spring Elementary	98
Bannockburn Elementary	96.36363636
Bradley Hills Elementary	96.25
Rachel Carson Elementary	95.89041096
Wyngate Elementary	95.76271186
Farmland Elementary	95.19230769
Germantown Elementary	95.12195122
Ashburton Elementary	95.04132231
Seven Locks Elementary	94.64285714
Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School	93.92265193
Travilah Elementary	93.50649351
Fallsmead Elementary	93
Chevy Chase Elementary	92.43697479
Cedar Grove Elementary	92.38095238
Beall Elementary	92.30769231
Potomac Elementary	92.22222222
Thurgood Marshall Elementary	91.76470588
Westbrook Elementary	91.66666667
Kensington Parkwood Elementary	91.58878505
Bells Mill Elementary	91
Wood Acres Elementary	90.60402685
Beverly Farms Elementary	90.38461538
College Gardens Elementary	90.27777778
Somerset Elementary	90.0990099
Luxmanor Elementary	90
Lakewood Elementary	89.79591837
William Tyler Page Elementary	89.47368421
Stone Mill Elementary	89.32038835
Garrett Park Elementary	88.99082569
Ronald A. McNair Elementary	88.97058824
Monocacy Elementary	88.46153846
Stonegate Elementary	88.23529412
Lois P. Rockwell Elementary	87.80487805
Olney Elementary	87.75510204
Damascus Elementary	87.23404255
East Silver Spring Elementary	87.03703704
Sligo Creek Elementary	86.81318681
Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary	86.66666667
Bethesda Elementary	86.66666667
Burning Tree Elementary	85.91549296
Diamond Elementary	85.8490566
Brooke Grove Elementary	85.71428571
Little Bennett Elementary	85.46511628
Jones Lane Elementary	84.7826087
Wheaton Woods Elementary	84.50704225
Oakland Terrace Elementary	84.28571429
Laytonsville Elementary	84.14634146
Poolesville Elementary	84.12698413
Woodlin Elementary	83.96226415
William B. Gibbs, Jr.	83.33333333
North Chevy Chase Elementary	83.33333333
Fairland Elementary	82.79569892
Rock Creek Forest Elementary	82.71604938
Cloverly Elementary	82.35294118
Belmont Elementary	82.35294118
Clearspring Elementary	82.27848101
Candlewood Elementary	82.25806452
Washington Grove Elementary	82.05128205
Greenwood Elementary	81.81818182
Maryvale Elementary	81.48148148
Cannon Road Elementary	81.3559322
Sherwood Elementary	81.33333333
Rolling Terrace Elementary	80.90909091
Viers Mill Elementary	80.8988764
Darnestown Elementary	80.59701493
Flower Valley Elementary	80.26315789
Piney Branch Elementary	78.65168539
Fox Chapel Elementary	78.31325301
Flora M. Singer Elementary School	77.77777778
Westover Elementary	77.77777778
Clarksburg Elementary	77.08333333
Jackson Road Elementary	76.59574468
Sequoyah Elementary	76.31578947
Forest Knolls Elementary	75.24752475
DuFief Elementary	75
Highland View Elementary	75
Woodfield Elementary	74.57627119
Ritchie Park Elementary	74.25742574
Brookhaven Elementary	74.07407407
Rock View Elementary	73.46938776
Goshen Elementary	73.40425532
Burnt Mills Elementary	71.76470588
Judith A. Resnik Elementary	71.01449275
Sargent Shriver Elementary	71
Galway Elementary	70.80291971
Waters Landing Elementary	70.68965517
Pine Crest Elementary	70.33898305
Great Seneca Creek Elementary	70.3125
Rosemont Elementary	69.8630137
Lake Seneca Elementary	69.3877551
Highland Elementary	68.91891892
Burtonsville Elementary	68.85245902
Rock Creek Valley Elementary	68.85245902
S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary	68.75
Georgian Forest Elementary	68.6746988
Mill Creek Towne Elementary	68.42105263
Strawberry Knoll Elementary	68.35443038
Fields Road Elementary	67.69230769
Dr. Sally K. Ride Elementary	66.66666667
Weller Road Elementary	66.27906977
Cresthaven Elementary	65.6626506
Brown Station Elementary	65.33333333
Glen Haven Elementary	65.33333333
Strathmore Elementary	61.97183099
Glenallan Elementary	61.84210526
Kemp Mill Elementary	60.9375
Watkins Mill Elementary	59.81308411
Flower Hill Elementary	59.45945946
Summit Hall Elementary	58.88888889
Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary	58.53658537
Stedwick Elementary	58.13953488
Harmony Hills Elementary	56.70103093
Captain James E. Daly Elementary	56.32183908
Oak View Elementary	55.04587156
Twinbrook Elementary	53.84615385
Arcola Elementary	51.88679245
South Lake Elementary	51.72413793
Greencastle Elementary	49.57983193
Gaithersburg Elementary	49.55752212
Meadow Hall Elementary	48.4375
Whetstone Elementary	46.66666667
Broad Acres Elementary	45.16129032