Carson Teacher Facing Child Porn Charges Free On Bail

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A fifth-grade teacher at a Carson school will remain free on bail while awaiting trial on charges of posting child pornography on a social networking site, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Silvestre Layug Ela, 53, is charged with one count each of possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography, according to Deputy District Attorney Marc Beaart. Ela is a fifth-grade teacher at Dominguez Elementary School, a Los Angeles Unified School District school, in Carson. He has been an elementary school teacher for 15 years.

Ela appeared in court Wednesday, but his arraignment was postponed until Jan. 6. A judge ruled that he could remain free on $20,000 bail pending trial, but he cannot be in the presence of any minors without a third person present.

Ela was at his home in the 1100 block of Dimondale Street in Carson when a search warrant was served on Nov. 17, authorities said.

Ela admitted to viewing and downloading images of child pornography, but denied having victimized any children, authorities said.

Several computers and DVDs with photos of possible victims were seized as Ela was arrested, authorities said.

Investigators were continuing their investigation to see if they could possibly identify any of the children with whom the suspect may have had inappropriate contact.

If convicted as charged, Ela could face up to three years and eight months in state prison.

Ela's attorney said his client has been suspended with pay while the court case is pending.

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