Dear Belmont Public Schools Community,

I have been notified by Belmont Police of an arrest by the Massachusetts State Police of an employee of the Belmont Public Schools, who was charged with possession of child pornography. This individual, Leon Dyer, BMS teacher, has been arrested and will be arraigned next week.

Our primary concern, as always, is the wellbeing and safety of students. We have no information at this time to suggest that this individual engaged in any inappropriate conduct with BPS students, on BPS property, or otherwise in connection with his employment with BPS. We are working with the Belmont and State Police and will share information with the BPS community whenever we are able. We aim to be as transparent as possible throughout this process.

Although we have limited information about the charges and are unable to release confidential personnel information, at this time we can confirm that:

• The individual is not permitted on school property and his school-issued technology accounts have all been suspended.

• We reviewed background documents to ensure that due diligence was done. I can confirm that this individual was properly screened and underwent regular reviews, per our protocol for all BPS employees, including Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system checks and Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System (SAFIS) checks.

• We will continue to work with the Massachusetts State Police, the Belmont Police Department, and any related legal personnel, committing our full cooperation.

• We will remain vigilant, as always, about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students and transparency with the community.

I am appreciative of Belmont Police Department for their swift response, their close collaboration with me and my team, and their continued support as we navigate this matter together.

Please see below the statement that has been released by Massachusetts State Police. You may direct any questions about this case to the State Police, as the investigation remains under their jurisdiction. The Belmont Police Department is also available to assist with inquiries but may refer you to the Massachusetts State Police and/or the Middlesex Child Advocacy Center, as well, for additional information regarding this matter. Respectfully, Jill Geiser, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

________________________________________________________________________
MASSACHUSETTS POLICE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT
On Saturday, July 25th, The Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Crime Scene Services, and the Belmont Police Department arrested Leon Dyer, 45, of Belmont for two counts of possession of child pornography. 

An investigation discovered that Dyer was a teacher at Belmont Middle School and worked at a camp in Middleboro, MA. The case is actively being investigated. 

Dyer is expected to be arraigned tomorrow at Cambridge District Court. For parents seeking further resources, you’re encouraged to reach out to the Middlesex Child Advocacy Center, as well, for additional information regarding this matter.