From The Banner · Mitch Ryals · · 2m
Ex-teacher arrested over child abuse material
A 70-year-old former Elizabeth Seton High School teacher was arrested after police found hundreds of files depicting minors.
In brief
A 70-year-old former Elizabeth Seton High School teacher was arrested after police found hundreds of files depicting minors. Donald Kirk Marchand III was arrested after Maryland State Police received a Google tip about uploaded child sexual abuse materials, leading to the discovery of 655 files on his account…
Teacher arrested on abuse charges
Donald Kirk Marchand III, 70, was arrested September 15 at his College Park home on charges related to child sexual abuse material. He waived his bond review hearing and remains in jail.
Google tip sparked investigation
Maryland State Police received a tip from Google on September 2 that someone had uploaded suspected child sexual abuse materials. The company provided electronic content from the account two days later.
655 files found on account
Among 655 files discovered, investigators found electronic novels depicting sexual assault of juvenile girls with titles referencing 'school girl' and 'principal.' The materials matched the age of students under Marchand's authority.
“females depicted in the majority of the child pornography files contained within the reported Google account are similar in age to the high school students under Marchand's authority”
Home search revealed more material
When agents searched Marchand's home on arrest day, they found hard copies of novels and a hard drive with files depicting girls as young as 4. Data showed he possessed these files for over a decade.
“Data associated with these files indicate they have been in Marchand's possession for over a decade”
Marchand admitted responsibility
During questioning in his basement, Marchand told investigators he downloaded the files years ago but never deleted them. He agreed to take a polygraph test to rule out direct contact abuse.
“You found what you found. And I'm responsible.”
History at multiple Catholic schools
A LinkedIn profile shows Marchand previously taught at St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, Mercy High School in Baltimore, and Seton Keough High School, which closed in 2016. He was fired from Elizabeth Seton after charges emerged.
Two-week investigation timeline
Police received the Google tip on September 2, obtained a warrant on September 9, applied for an arrest warrant on September 14, and executed it on September 15. The rapid timeline reflects the severity of the allegations.
The headline
Donald Kirk Marchand III was arrested after Maryland State Police received a Google tip about uploaded child sexual abuse materials, leading to the discovery of 655 files on his account.
