Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons teacher accused of receiving child porn
[anvplayer video=”5054912″ station=”998132″]
A high school teacher at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in Schenectady has been charged with receiving child pornography from a minor.
The United States Department of Justice says 36-year-old Kristen Blair Hiltunen of Amsterdam appeared in federal court Wednesday.
A criminal complaint from July 2021 accuses Hiltunen of using a social media messaging application to communicate with and receive child pornography from a minor.
In a letter to parents, the high school’s principal said Hiltunen "has been placed on administrative leave pending resolution of the case." He also encouraged anyone with information to contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams at 518-431-0247, and he says the school stands ready to provide counseling and support to the school community.
If convicted, Hiltunen faces at least five years and up to 20 years behind bars.
She’s scheduled to appear in court again next week.