“I AM JUST A TEENAGER”!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, PROSECUTORS SAY SPECIAL-EDUCATION TEACHER ERIC SANVILLE USED A BOY’S PHOTO ON SNAPCHAT TO TRICK EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GIRLS INTO SENDING NUDE IMAGES… AND HE NOW FACES UP TO 30 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON.
Eric Sanville, 39, worked as a special-education teacher at Gwynedd Square Elementary School.
He is accused of using fake Snapchat accounts to pose as an underage boy.
Investigators allege that Sanville used a teenage boy’s Facebook photo to conceal his true identity.
According to prosecutors, he used the deceptive profile to trick two 8-year-old girls into creating and sending nude images and videos.
Investigators also allege that he communicated online with approximately 25 girls between the ages of 9 and 13.
Prosecutors say Sanville invited girls to enter a group chat set up for what he called “spicy” pictures.
He allegedly demanded that the girls provide nude images before he permitted them to join the group.
Authorities also state that he allegedly sent explicit material to one of the 8-year-old victims.
He allegedly gave the child specific instructions on how to pose for the camera.
But the online activity was flagged by the platform.
Snapchat reported the suspicious accounts directly to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The FBI subsequently launched an investigation based on the referral.
Federal agents traced both of the flagged Snapchat accounts to an internet address connected to Sanville.
Law enforcement officers then executed a search at his Norwood home.
On August 27, federal agents took Sanville into custody.
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According to court documents, Sanville admitted to creating the fake Snapchat accounts.
Court records indicate he admitted that he pretended to be a minor.
And court documents state that he admitted directing young girls to produce nude material.
Sanville has been charged with manufacturing child pornography.
He also faces a charge of attempting to manufacture child pornography.
The defendant currently remains held in federal custody.
If convicted of the offenses, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The charges carry a potential statutory penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison.
Following his arrest, the North Penn School District instituted immediate administrative measures.
School district officials placed Sanville on administrative leave.
District leadership also barred him from entering any school district property.
He was further prohibited by the district from having any contact with students.
Yet school officials stated that their findings indicate no local connection.
District officials stated that they currently have no evidence indicating that district students were involved.
They also reported having no evidence that local children were involved in the alleged conduct.
District officials added that there is no indication that school technology was used.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
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