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Dance Teacher Child Porn Suspect: Marco Alferez Accused of Sex with Dozens of Kids, Taping It

Texas HS Teacher Arrested On Child Pornography; 140 Videos Found, 70 Victims Say Police
Irvin High School (El Paso Independent School District Web site)

EL PASO, Texas (CBS/KDBC/AP) A high school dance teacher is accused of videotaping himself having sex with scores of children, including some who were elementary school age.

Marco Alferez is charged with sexual exploitation of minors and possessing child pornography. Federal authorities say they found more than 200 videos of the 34-year-old Irwin High School teacher having sex with children.

Alferez was arrested Sept. 21 at his El Paso home after authorities linked his internet protocol address to the sharing of three videos allegedly containing child pornography, reports CBS affiliate KDBC.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents say they seized two computers containing a slew of sexually explicit images of children.

During Alferez's bond hearing Wednesday, ICE agent Gilbert Campa testified he found 12 VHS tapes, each approximately four to six hours long, and 107 8-mm tapes of Alferez having sex with children, reports the El Paso Times. Campa also claimed Alferez confessed to making the videos of himself with children and made remarks that "his life was over," according to the paper.

According to the case's criminal compliant, Alferez told investigators he's been downloading child porn for several years using the file sharing software Limewire.

Alferez remained jailed without bond Thursday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Gardes requested that Alferez be denied bond because he is a potential threat to the community, reports the El Paso Times.

Alferez has been placed on paid administrative leave from his position at Irvin High School, said Berenice Zubia, El Paso Independent School District spokeswoman, according to the paper. In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Zubia claimed the School District always conducted background checks on teaching applicants.

"This procedure was followed prior to hiring Marco Alferez and no criminal record or arrests were found," said Zubia.

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