Former Townsville Grammar School teacher Samuel Blanch charged with producing child exploitation material | #teacher | #children | #kids

A music teacher who was employed at a prestigious Townsville school has been charged with producing child exploitation material. 

Samuel John Blanch, 56, was arrested on July 7 after police raided a Railway Estate home and seized property.

Townsville Child Protection and Investigation Unit officer Dave Miles said police had been alerted to the alleged offending by another Australian law enforcement agency.

“Police will allege in December 2020, the man produced and distributed fantasy-based audio recordings of child exploitation material,” Senior Sergeant Miles said.

The former director of music at Townsville Grammar School was charged with two counts each of making child exploitation material and distributing child exploitation material.

His matter was mentioned in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday and will return to court in September.

In a statement, Townsville Grammar School principal Timothy Kelly said Mr Blanch was no longer employed by the school.

“We are communicating with our community and providing our full resources for those who may need support during this time.”