Amherst Central High School teacher arrested on child exploitation charges

[Artaxerxes II]

https://www.wivb.com/news/crime/amherst ... n-charges/

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An Amherst Central High School teacher was arrested Friday on multiple felony child exploitation charges out of Fairfax, V.A., New York State Police announced.

Geoffrey Testa, 45 and of Amherst, is an English teacher in the district, Superintendent Anthony Panella said Saturday in a letter addressed to faculty, staff and families. According to Testa’s LinkedIn profile, he has worked at the district since 2006.

In the letter, Panella said the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office contacted New York State Police about an investigation of Testa, who was arrested on “charges of alleged online misconduct involving a minor.”

Fairfax police said Testa’s arrest is part of a large scale investigation by its department and did not release specific charges as of Saturday afternoon.

“As a school district that prioritizes the safety of our students and staff, Mr. Testa was immediately placed on administrative leave pending investigation,” Panella said. “The Amherst Central School District is actively cooperating with all law enforcement agencies and providing any necessary assistance. We had no knowledge of the investigation prior to being notified Friday evening.”

Panella said the district will provide support to anyone who needs it and listed school administrators or counselors as points of contact.

Testa was processed and taken to the Erie County Holding Center. He is awaiting extradition by the Fairfax Police Department, New York State Police said.