An eight- grade teacher named Albin Jose Chellathurai has been arrested after being involved in child pornography.

A teacher at a school in Savannah-Chatham is allegedly in the custody of electronic images of child porn.

According to Sheila Blanco, a spokeswoman for Savannah-Chatham County Public School, Campus Police were informed by SPD on October 21 that Chellathurai was the focus of an investigation. The district has been helping Police investigators ever since.

Eighth-Grade Teacher Arrested: Who Is Albin Jose Chellathurai

Albin Jose Chellathurai is the math teacher for the eighth grade at Mercer Middle School. He is currently 40 years old as of 2022.

On November 1, the Savannah Police detained him. He was accused of engaging in computer or electronic pornography, a crime under Georgia law intended to stop child exploitation.

The Mercer Middle School teacher was detained once more on Wednesday, according to the Chatham County bookings site, on additional felony charges of child molestation, child cruelty, criminal attempt, and making false statements and writings.

An official from the school district claims they are unaware of any school-related computers or property involved in the crimes.

District 8 includes Mercer Middle and is represented by school board member Dr. Tonia Howard-Hall. 

She says, “among other things, we demand that our educators submit to thorough background checks and follow the guidelines set forth by the Professional Standards Commission.

We will continue to be watchful by treating all allegations seriously and will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the students.”

Albin Jose Chellathurai Charges

On October 27, Albin Jose Chellathurai was charged by Savannah Police with child pornography on a computer and first-degree cruelty to children. 

Chellathurai was detained five days later and was charged with additional offenses such as child molestation, a criminal attempt to commit a felony, and two counts of making a false statement.

Jose will appear at a bond hearing in Chatham County Superior Court on Thursday after being charged by a grand jury on November 9.

Where Is Albin Jose Chellathurai Now?

The district still employs him during the investigation. Officials from the school district have claimed that he has been placed in a different area where there will be no interaction with students.

The school system said this is standard practice when a teacher is accused of inappropriate behavior.

Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brown, a district 2 school board member, was also interviewed by WTOC. She stated, “I think it’s essential because it puts the children and their families first.” 

Removing people who come into contact with children while their rights are upheld and reassigning them shows that we respect their right to a thorough investigation.

The Georgia accreditation of the middle school teacher reveals no disciplinary history.

The situation has been informed to the parents, and according to Hoskins-Brown, the SPD and Board of Education Police are looking into it.

Dr. Tonia Howard Hall’s Statement: What Did She Say?

Dr. Howard-Hall is a native of Savannah and a Tompkins High School graduate of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

According to Dr. Tonia Howard Hall, all their schools are dedicated to ensuring their students have a secure and favorable learning environment.

They hold all their educators to high standards and are dedicated to providing the best for our students. Their top priorities have always been and will always be the safety and security of their students.

They demand that their teachers follow the rules set forth by the professional standards commission and undergo a thorough background check.

She added that they would continue to be vigilant, take all allegations seriously, and take any necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

They stand firm in their resolve to safeguard their students with the best instruments, including people, technology, and the local community.