Central Ky. teacher charged with possession of child pornography after FBI raids home

A teacher fired this week from a private school after the FBI raided his home has been charged with possession of child pornography, according to federal court records.

Gus LaFontaine, co-founder of LaFontaine Preparatory School, said Tuesday that after the raid, he fired Larry D. Foley Jr. Foley was most recently a part-time teacher and previously, a third through fifth grade social studies and engineering teacher.

LaFontaine said in a news release that during a conversation he had Wednesday with a federal agent, “it was reiterated that no investigation with students of LaFontaine Preparatory School is necessary.”

The school, other staff and students were not involved in the alleged crime, LaFontaine said.

All court documents in the case, except for the criminal complaint describing the charge, remained sealed Wednesday. No additional details were released. Foley’s attorney, Elizabeth Hughes, declined to comment.

Meanwhile, LaFontaine said Wednesday in a news release, “I continue to seek advice from professionals in the counseling community for information on how to support our students at this time.”

LaFontaine said he fired Foley immediately when he found out about his arrest and the Monday raid. LaFontaine said that with four out of five of his own children attending the school, he shares the concerns of other parents.

“The safety and well-being of all of our students is paramount,” he said.

LaFontaine told parents in a letter that he was “shocked” at the news and unaware of any prior investigations involving the teacher. He said he would seek advice from counselors on how best to share the news with students.

This story was originally published January 7, 2020 at 2:18 PM.