Salem Teacher Faces Child Exploitation Charges

Two former teachers in different states face serious legal troubles related to child exploitation and sexual abuse. In Castro Valley, Keita Hasegawa, a former high school teacher, pleaded no contest to meeting a minor with intent to commit a sex offense and will avoid additional jail time due to a plea agreement. Hasegawa had been charged with 18 felonies but most charges will be dismissed. Meanwhile, in Salem, Massachusetts, gym teacher Darren Benedick pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including enticement of a child under 16 and possession of child pornography. Benedick was arrested in a sting operation where he believed he was meeting a 14-year-old girl but was actually communicating with an undercover officer. Benedick is on administrative leave and has been released on $5,000 bail with strict conditions including house arrest and GPS monitoring.