MACON, Ga. — A former teacher at First Presbyterian Day school was indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple child pornography charges, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Christian Baumgarth was a teacher and coach at FPD in Macon from 2018 to 2023, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. They say he also served as a volunteer small group leader in Northway Church's student ministry from 2019 to 2023.
The indictment, which a federal grand jury handed down on Tuesday, accused Baumgarth of distributing a lewd video of a minor on July 23, 2023. They also say Baumgarth possessed pornography of a prepubescent minor under 12 years old on his cell phone on August 1, 2023.
Baumgarth appeared before a federal judge on Thursday where prosecutors outlined the charges against him. He faces two counts of possession and two counts of distribution, the press release said.
They say he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count of distribution of child pornography, and a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count of possession child pornography. He also faces up to $250,000 on each count.
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."
According to a biography on the Middle Georgia State website, Baumgarth served as an assistant coach for the cross country and track and field teams at FPD. It also said he taught math.
Parents whose kids have encountered Baumgarth and have concerns about this case can contact Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-347-2423, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.