Moriah teacher charged with possession of child abuse material

MORIAH College High School Head of English Cody Reynolds has been arrested and charged in relation to the possession and transmission of child abuse material.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) made the announcement on Wednesday that the 36-year-old was expected to face Sydney Central Local Court today (Wednesday) charged with online child abuse-related offences.

The AFP’s Eastern Command Child Protection Operations team charged him earlier today after officers searched his Kensington home and allegedly found child abuse material on two mobile phones and a laptop.

Police have seized the electronic devices found at the home and they will be subject to further forensic examination.

In a letter to parents, Moriah College principal Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler said the school had been assured by the AFP that “there is currently no evidence or information to suggest that any of the offences occurred at school, or that any charges relate to online or in person contact with Moriah College students”.

“Mr Reynolds’ employment at the College has been indefinitely suspended,” Rabbi Smukler said.

“The safety of our students is of paramount importance to all of us at the College, and we will work with the relevant authorities to ensure we continue to keep our children safe.

“We will update the community as appropriate should the Police provide us with any further information.”

Reynolds commenced at Moriah as Head of English at the beginning of 2021. He previously worked at Christian Brothers’ High School, Lewisham, the Scots College and Waverley College.

“He was recruited in-line with our stringent Employment Policy, which includes thorough referencing and child safety vetting,” Rabbi Smukler said.

“Ms Miranda McCallum has been appointed Acting Head of English and together with the English teachers will continue to provide our students with exceptional instruction and guidance.”