MACON, Ga. — A former First Presbyterian Day School teacher and coach plead guilty Monday to possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Christian Baumgarth, a former math teacher and cross country coach at FPD, was indicted by a federal grand jury back in May of possessing and distributing a video "depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct" back in July 23.
At that time, Baumgarth was a teacher at FPD. According to federal prosecutors, he was a teacher at the school from 2018 to 2023, and a volunteer small group leader in Northway Church's student ministry between 2019 and 2023.
Baumgarth appeared on the radar of federal agents with the Homeland Security Investigations while investigating people using encrypted applications to distribute child pornography, prosecutors say.
They say federal agents searched Baumgath's residence and seized multiple devices back in August 2023. When they examined his device, they found 20 images and 13 videos of child sexual abuse materials, the press release said.
They say some of the videos included sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler.
After the search, federal authorities notified FPD who then fired Baumgarth. In an interview with law enforcement, they say Baumgarth admitted to possession of child pornography.
While he was indicted on two counts of possession and two counts of distribution of child pornography, Baumgarth pleaded guilty to only one count of possession of child pornography, the press release said.
After his indictment, First Presbyterian Day School's head of school John Patterson issued this statement: "Mr. Baumgarth was terminated in August 2023, prior to the 2023-24 school year, once we learned of the pending investigation. At this point in the investigation, we have been told there is no evidence of any involvement with any FPD student. We are saddened by this situation and praying for all parties involved."
Baumgarth faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. After release from prison, Baumgarth will have to register as a sex offender.
After pleading guilty, Baumgarth was taken into custody as he awaits sentencing.