A staff member at a California Christian school has been accused of selling pornography featuring students and their dirty underwear, according to court documents. Todd Baldwin, a 44-year-old employee at Valley Christian High School for 25 years, allegedly paid male students for sexually explicit videos and images, as well as their used underwear before selling them online.
The US Attorney’s Office in San Jose recently filed federal criminal charges against Baldwin, claiming he solicited pornography from two male teenagers. One 17-year-old student was reportedly offered money in exchange for explicit videos and images, which Baldwin then sold on Reddit. He allegedly paid the student a commission of $4,265 from the sales and even had him pose for a naked photoshoot in his school office.
Additionally, Baldwin is accused of using Snapchat to recruit another 16-year-old student from a neighbouring high school, Live Oak High School. Prosecutors state that the teenager was paid $2,050 for pornographic content, and Baldwin also requested the boy’s used underwear from athletic practices to sell online.
Baldwin was initially arrested in August 2023 after the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received information about explicit digital media involving juveniles. During the investigation, Baldwin reportedly admitted to receiving pornographic content from four male students and selling them online. While charges have only been brought in connection to two victims, investigators believe there could be up to five underage victims, with evidence suggesting at least three others.
Valley Christian High School’s president, Clifford Daugherty, emphasised that the school’s top priority is the safety and well-being of its students. He stated that they have been fully cooperating with authorities since the investigation began, and will continue to do so as it progresses. The Independent reached out to various parties for comment, including the Attorney’s Office in San Jose, San Jose Police Department, Valley Christian High School, and Live Oak High School.
The case has stirred shock and concern within the local community and highlights the need for vigilance and oversight in educational settings to protect students from potential exploitation.