Pace Academy teacher Joey Villemez arrested on child porn charge

The teacher was arrested and charged with possession of child poographic images which were purchased from a home computer, according to the letter sent from the prominent Atlanta private school.

”These images came to light as a result of a multi-year federal investigation, which we leaed about today, Pace headmaster Fred Assaf said in the letter. He told the AJC in an email that the teacher was fired Monday moing after the school was notified of the charges.

The teacher is no longer employed by Pace Academy, the letter said.

”We are cooperating with federal agents as they continue their investigation. I want to stress to you that, according to federal investigators, [the teacher] has not involved any current or former Pace students in this situation, and there is no evidence of inappropriate physical contact between [the teacher] and Pace students or other children, Assaf said in the letter.

He said the faculty was made aware of the arrest after school on Monday. He said school officials plan to meet with students in the middle and upper schools Tuesday moing.

”The emotional wellbeing of our students is our primary conce at this time. This news is incredibly shocking and upsetting to all of us in the Pace community, and we know that healing will take time, Assaf wrote.

According to school spokesperson Caitlin Goodrich, the school's statement is the letter itself, which is posted below. 

Dear Parents,

I am writing this email with a truly heavy heart. Earlier today, I was made aware of a very sad and distressing situation involving a Pace Academy faculty member. Middle and Upper School Fine Arts teacher Joey Villemez has been arrested and charged with possession of child poographic images, which were purchased from his home computer. These images came to light as a result of a multi-year federal investigation, which we leaed about today.

Mr. Villemez is no longer employed by Pace Academy. We are cooperating with federal agents as they continue their investigation. I want to stress to you that, according to federal investigators, Mr. Villemez has not involved any current or former Pace students in this situation, and there is no evidence of inappropriate physical contact between Mr. Villemez and Pace students or other children. Mr. Villemez has no record of previous criminal activity.

Our faculty was made aware of the situation immediately after school today, and we will meet with students in the Middle and Upper Schools tomorrow moing. The emotional wellbeing of our students is our primary conce at this time. This news is incredibly shocking and upsetting to all of us in the Pace community, and we know that healing will take time.

We also know that this will be difficult to explain to students, but I believe that it is best to be clear and honest with them. I would advise every parent to use his or her discretion in discussing these matters with their children; however, as much as we might want to shield them from the situation, this may serve as an opportunity to discuss the pervasive issue of poography in our culture. I also encourage you to bring any conces to my attention immediately.

We are working with our faculty, counselors and outside experts to ensure that we are prepared to handle any questions or issues that arise as a result of this situation. Please know that our counselors and administrators are available for students and parents with questions or conces.

We will continue to share pertinent information as it becomes available and welcome questions during this difficult time.