CARUTHERS, CA (KMJ) – The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 46-year-old Gregory Carr – a 7th/8th grade teacher at Caruthers Elementary School – on felony possession of child pornography on Wednesday. The Sheriff’s Office says there is currently no evidence that Carr was actively abusing any children. They also confirm that Carr bailed out of jail on Wednesday afternoon.
The Sheriff’s Office said they got a tip from Homeland Security that Carr was looking at illegal images online and worked with the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Fresno Police and Homeland Security on the investigation. On August 11th, a search warrant was served on his home.
Tony Botti, of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, said because Carr was a teacher they contacted the school district immediately at that time. Caruthers Unified School District placed him on paid administrative leave the next day (August 12th) – so that he would not be around the school during the investigation.
Caruthers Unified School District Released the following statement:
Carr was also a volunteer at North Pointe Community Church in Fresno. The Sheriff’s Office said they also notified the church of the situation at the beginning of the investigation. North Pointe Community Church posted this statement on their Facebook page:
“Statement from Pastor Steve Williams
Along with our community, we were stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the allegations involving Mr. Carr. While Mr. Carr previously worked for the Church in a part-time position, he is no longer in the Church’s employ.
A foundational concern of all NorthPointe ministries is assuring the safety and wellbeing of all persons involved in our programs, especially the children and young people. We will continue the many precautionary procedures and protocols we’ve maintained for years, such as requiring all potential employees to undergo background checks and fingerprinting, and for those who work with our children and youth groups, to work in adult pairs.
We are in full agreement with the legal process pursuing this matter, and will cooperate freely and fully with it should that be found necessary.
It is core to our mission at NorthPointe to offer spiritual guidance and support to all involved, including the Carr family and those close to them. Our compassion, prayers, and spiritual guidance are extended to all persons affected by this difficult series of events.
Because this is also a personnel matter, we are not able to further discuss any issues other than the public statements made at this time.
Along with our community, we were stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the allegations involving Mr. Carr. While Mr. Carr previously worked for the Church in a part-time position, he is no longer in the Church’s employ.
A foundational concern of all NorthPointe ministries is assuring the safety and wellbeing of all persons involved in our programs, especially the children and young people. We will continue the many precautionary procedures and protocols we’ve maintained for years, such as requiring all potential employees to undergo background checks and fingerprinting, and for those who work with our children and youth groups, to work in adult pairs.
We are in full agreement with the legal process pursuing this matter, and will cooperate freely and fully with it should that be found necessary.
It is core to our mission at NorthPointe to offer spiritual guidance and support to all involved, including the Carr family and those close to them. Our compassion, prayers, and spiritual guidance are extended to all persons affected by this difficult series of events.
Because this is also a personnel matter, we are not able to further discuss any issues other than the public statements made at this time.”
This is still an ongoing investigation. Anyone with more information on Carr’s activities is asked to contact them at 600-8144 or Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.
