Tenoroc High School Teacher Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County teacher is behind bars after detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit arrested 34-year-old Eddie Chirino of Lakeland on multiple child pornography charges. Chirino, a teacher at Tenoroc High School, now faces three counts of directing or promoting the sexual performance of a child (F2).

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) alerted detectives that the Kik Messenger app linked to Chirino had been used to download and share videos depicting child sexual abuse.

In August 2025, detectives responded to Chirino’s home, where he lives with his mother. Although Chirino was not home, his mother confirmed he had been using her email address for both Kik Messenger and Instagram accounts. A search warrant executed at the residence uncovered marijuana and paraphernalia in Chirino’s room.

When questioned by detectives, Chirino admitted to using his mother’s email and acknowledged that he had “viewed child pornography in the past.” His online usernames reportedly contained variations of the name “ChoBro.”

A forensic analysis of Chirino’s electronic devices revealed three child sexual abuse videos sent to other users.

One video depicted a child between 6 to 9 years old being sexually assaulted by adult males.
A second showed a child between 8 to 10 years old being assaulted by an adult male.
The third involved two children engaging in sexual conduct.

Detectives also found chat logs where Chirino shared child pornography with other users and internet search history consistent with the downloading and distribution of such material.

Chirino was taken into custody Friday, September 26, 2025, at his Lakeland home and booked into the Polk County Jail. Investigators say there is no evidence indicating the files were produced locally, but the investigation remains ongoing to identify the source of the content.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd issued a strong statement following the arrest:

“Make no mistake, there is zero tolerance for anyone in this county, especially a school teacher, dealing in child pornography. We will do a complete and thorough investigation and continue to work with State Attorney Brian Haas to send him to prison where he can't be around children any longer.”

Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid also released a statement confirming Chirino’s termination:

“PCPS is terminating this individual. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and appreciate their work to protect children and prevent people like this from doing further harm. This is abhorrent behavior; individuals like this have no place in our schools, or society.”

Charges:

3 Counts – Directing/Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child (F2)
Possession of Marijuana and Paraphernalia (previous arrest)

Chirino remains in custody at the Polk County Jail as the investigation continues.

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