Local teacher off job in kid porn probe

ROGERS -- A Beaver Middle School band teacher is on paid administrative leave after federal and local authorities said he is being investigated in connection with a child pornography probe. He has not been charged.
David Ward, 47, of North Bay Road, Scio, in Harrison County, was placed on leave from his job Friday after Harrison County and U.S. Customs Service officials said his home was searched Oct. 22.
During the search, authorities seized a computer hard drive and other materials from the home, Harrison County Sheriff Mark Miller said today.
Miller would not comment on what other items were seized as part of the search.
Miller said a child pornography investigation undertaken by federal authorities prompted the search of Ward's home.
Under review
Evidence in the case is still being reviewed, Miller said.
"We're all kind of shocked," Tom Sapp, Beaver Middle School principal, said today.
Ward, who has been teaching at Beaver for about five years, was considered a popular instructor and has a good teaching record, Sapp said.