Justin Smith, the Head of School at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Middletown has been arrested and charged with 25 counts of dealing in child pornography. The arrest follows an investigation led by the Delaware Department of Justice and the Delaware State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The investigation began after law enforcement received multiple CyberTips from Kik Messenger, reporting the uploading of child sexual abuse material linked to an IP address associated with Smith officials said Friday. Authorities added that upon executing search warrants, authorities uncovered additional illegal content connected to multiple accounts.
Smith, who took over leadership of St. Anne’s in July 2024, has been placed on administrative leave and is not permitted to be on school grounds. The school’s Board of Trustees addressed the community, expressing their shock and sadness over the situation while assuring families that there is no indication the charges involve any students or activities at the school. The school is fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Authorities have indicated that no victims related to the school have been identified, and there is no evidence suggesting that Smith had any direct contact with a child in connection to the charges.
Smith was arraigned and is being held on $625,000 cash bail at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Delaware Department of Justice encourages anyone with relevant information to contact the Delaware ICAC Task Force.
In response, St. Anne’s Episcopal School is offering counseling services to students, faculty, and staff.