Terry Parker High School teacher arrested for distributing child pornography

Jacksonville, FL — A Terry Parker High School teacher has been arrested for allegedly engaging online with an undercover FBI agent, and later sending that agent pornographic material involving a child.

Federal court records show 37-year-old Jordan Schemmel has been arrested for distribution of child pornography. He is being detained, pending a hearing next Thursday. Schemmel runs the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Terry Parker High, and previously taught in St. Johns County as well, according to the US Attorney’s Office.

The criminal complaint claims Schemmel used the screen name “Profsunrise15” to engage oneline with  an undercover FBI agent, according to the USAO. Prosecutors say Schemmel then sent a video of a child being sexually assaulted by an adult.

Schemmel agreed to speak with investigators. The criminal complaint says he admitted to using “Kik” and said he saw illegal things pop up while on that app, but claimed he would remove himself from the groups when that happened. He further said he used the app “Grindr” as well, but had never met anyone underage through that.

He allegedly told investigators that he became involved in child pornography a few months ago, realizing it was wrong and illegal, but unable to stop. The criminal complaint says Schemmel said he would never hurt a child by acting on what he called an addiction. Investigators asked what should happen to people who engage in child pornography offenses, and Schemmel said “they deserve to lose their freedom”, according to the criminal complaint.

During a search of Schemmel’s Mandarin home Friday, the criminal complaint says devices were recovered containing both child pornography and bestiality.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

The Duval County Public School District says, if Schemmel is released from federal custody, he will be removed from all contact with students, pending the outcome of their internal investigation. Terry Parker High School parents received a call recorded by the school’s principal today, notifying them about the arrest.