Former Terry Parker High School teacher sentenced in child sex abuse case

Jacksonville, FL — A former teacher at Terry Parker High School has been sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to distributing videos and images of child sex abuse.

An undercover FBI agent found Jordan Schemmel on a social media app and they began sharing disturbing images of child sex abuse.  A search of his home uncovered more than 100 images and videos, leading to the federal charges.

Schemmel was arrested in October 2018.  The criminal complaint said Schemmel had used Kik and seen things that were illegal, but said he removed himself from those groups. He also allegedly admitted to using Grindr, but said he would report any user he didn't believe was over 18-years-old.

The criminal complaint says Schemmel did ultimately admit to sending a video to someone on Kik- who was actually an undercover agent. He also allegedly told investigators he had other images and videos of child porn on his phone. The US Attorney’s Office says a total of 106 images and 28 videos showing the sexual abuse of a young child were found on Schemmel’s phone and thumb drive.

The court records show Schemmel said he knew child pornography was wrong, and he had tried unsuccessfully to stop himself, but he believed it was an addiction.

At the time of his arrest, the Duval County Public School District said they would remove Schemmel from any contact with students pending the outcome of an internal investigation, if he were to be released from prison. DCPS said Schemmel resigned his position in January, pending disciplinary action.