HOLLYWOOD—Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department have arrested 58-year-old Barry Klein, for the possession of child pornography on Friday, July 9.  Klein has been a middle school teacher at Bancroft Middle School in Hollywood since 2001. He turned himself into police without incident and is a long term resident of the San Fernando Valley. Officials suspect that other children may have had inappropriate contact or communication with the suspect and are asking them to come forward.

Canyon News spoke to Operations West Bureau Sexual Assault Detail Officer Justin Malcuit about the case.  When asked how authorities discovered the suspect was in possession of child pornography, Officer Malcuit responded, “He took his laptop to school and some officials spotted some unusual images on it and contacted police.”

He added that no possible victims have come forward since Klein’s arrest, and that Klein’s neighbors have not provided any information to police. Officer Malcuit indicated that Klein did teach special education classes atBancroft Middle School. Investigators suspect that Klein may have been communicating with minors for sexual purposes using Yahoo Instant Messenger under the screen name “mrredheadbear.”

Officials from the Los Angeles Unified School District issued a statement on Wednesday, July 14, indicating that Klein was “immediately removed from the campus and housed at a non-school location” when the allegations first surfaced back in April. He has been suspended without pay until the investigation is complete.

Anyone with information about the case, especially if it’s helpful locating minors who have had any type of contact with Klein, are encouraged to get in touch with OWB Sexual Assault Detail Officer Justin Malcuit at 213-473-0404 or by e-mail at 36275@lapd.lacity.org.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.