Middle school teacher arrested for possession of child pornography

A search warrant was obtained for Brandon Hileman, 24, of Lebanon, Friday after a tip was received that he had uploaded child pornography on the internet.

Several electronics and computer equipment used to commit the crimes were located and seized.

Hileman was taken to the Lebanon Police Department and then transported to Laclede County Jail.

He was a middle school teacher at Joel E. Barber, in Lebanon.

One person who lives near the school who says it comes as a shock to everyone.

"I was shocked because it's so close to home," nearby resident Holly Welker said. "We live just about a mile down the road from here, we even have neighbors that go to the school. It's just something that you don't think you would see you know, close to where you live, I don't know it's just kind of a shock."

Hileman was charged with Class B Felony Possession of Child pornography and has a bond set at $50,000.00.

--School's update and statement information--

The school said through the communication with law-enforcement it does not believe any of its students were involved in this matter and will be sending a statement out to parents Monday, Oct. 2, 2017

The former first-year 7th and 8th-grade math teacher Brandon Hileman used to work for the Laclede County C-5 School District and was hired in August of 2017.

The school district was notified on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, at 3 p.m., when school was out, that it's teacher Brandon Hileman was under investigation for child pornography.

On Sat., Sept. 30, 2017, Hileman was charged with possession of child pornography and was no longer an employee with the district.

The school said keeping students safe is a top priority.

It's working as quickly as possible to get the information out to parents tomorrow.

Additional concerns or questions are being directed to Principal Mr. Jason Cole or Superintendent Mrs. Tina Nolan at 417-532-4837.