In recent years the act of "catfishing," or lying to someone online in order to develop a relationship with them, has become increasingly popular. The most notable case of catfishing came earlier this year when it was revealed that star Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o had been the victim of one such prankster. Well now, a Los Angeles-area teacher is accused of acting similarly towards upwards of 100 boys.
The 30-year-old teacher, Zachary Joshua Reeder, worked at Servite High School, a Catholic school in Anaheim. He had previously been a teacher and a coach in Irvine.
Reeder, a married social sciences teacher with a young daughter, is alleged to have begin luring boys into online relationships sometime roughly two years ago using a fake female online profile. The boys were generally believed to be between the ages of 14 and 17.
"After establishing increasingly inappropriate relationships with the victims online, Reeder would convince them to take sexually explicit photos of themselves and send them to him," police from the City of Irvine said in a press release.
Initial reports claimed that Reeder had this type of relationship with around 35 boys, but as the investigation has progressed, it is now believed that he had done this with over 100. Investigators say he targeted students from Servite, Canyon, Northwood, and Beckman high schools, some of whom were his students or players.
Reeder has been fired from Servite High School and is now in custody on $1 million bond. He is being charged with 60 felony counts of possession and distribution of child pornography as well as lewd conduct. If convicted, he could face up to 44 years in prison.
"We are taking this investigation very seriously and are working closely with authorities. Mr. Reeder has been terminated effective immediately. Please be assured, our highest priority is the safety and well being of our students," wrote Kelly Esperias, Servite director of communications, according to KABC.