Tulare Western band director arrested on child pornography charges

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By Preston Phillips

A disturbing arrest in Tulare County.

A band teacher at Tulare Western High School is facing felony charges, after authorities say they found child porn on his computer.

Federal and local authorities have been investigating 52-year-old Raymond Ferenci since May of 2008, when allegations arose, that he was sending inappropriate text messages to 3 of his students.

This is a teacher who has worked at Tulare Western for 20 years, loved and trusted by just about everyone on campus, many of whom were shocked when they heard about his arrest Thursday morning.

Vern Barlogio, principal, Tulare Western High School: "I knew there was some federal investigation kind of things going on, but I wasn't prepared for that."

52-year-old Raymond Ferenci, a band teacher at Tulare Western High School, arrested this morning at his Visalia home, after federal and local authorities say they found child pornography, including videos and photos, on at least two of his personal computers.

Investigators say they weren't intentionally looking for child porn when they discovered it on Ferenci's computers.

But, they say what they were looking for was additional evidence of Ferenci inappropriately text messaging three of his students, allegations that popped up last spring, leading the teacher to be placed on paid administrative leave.

Tulare western junior, Sean Torres says he's known Ferenci for most of his life, adding his mother has been best friends with the teacher for as long as he can remember.

He told KSEE 24 news: he feels Ferenci was set up by another student before the allegations arose, another student says she’s heard differently.

But Captain Breckinridge says Ferenci’s case is now in the hands of federal prosecutors and it will be up to them to determine whether Ferenci should be charged for something authorities say happens all too often.

Ferenci was booked at the Tulare Police Department on Thursday morning, and then transferred to the Fresno County Jail.

That’s where he remains tonight.

For Preston Phillips’ full story, click on the video link above.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 10:01 PM Diana wrote ...

well aint got nothing to say but thats y us girls at school have dress codes and we need to follow them and many girls dont feel comftorable wow

Friday, Nov 7 at 6:42 PM Mike wrote ...

Prop 8's passing has nothing to do with this story..you lost get over it...oh wait how did the mayor of S.F. say it? thats right..its happening like it or not!

Friday, Nov 7 at 1:26 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why don't you go check out the Tulare Advance-Register/Visalia Times-Delta Page...there's plenty of comments on there.

Thursday, Nov 6 at 7:02 PM Marcio wrote ...

Very interesting, when it is to ban legal rights from responsible people that love each other, many people manifest their opinion and go against our rights. When something so horrible like this happens, no one leaves any comments. That is the Valley. It is okay to be gay as long as you keep it in secret, even if it involves children abuse. You church guys definitely have bigger fish to fry. LEAVE US ALONE!

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