Massachusetts Gym Teacher Arrested for Possessing Child Pornography in Belmont, Waltham Schools

Stephen McDonough, a 60-year-old gym teacher in Belmont and Waltham, Massachusetts, has been arrested and charged with possession and dissemination of child pornography after authorities discovered child sexual abuse material on his phone and at his home. The investigation began in late August 2025 when the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding suspicious online activity linked to McDonough's residence. A search warrant executed on September 25 uncovered additional illegal material, leading to McDonough's arraignment and $25,000 cash bail with conditions prohibiting unsupervised contact with minors or work involving children. Belmont and Waltham school districts were notified, though McDonough is not currently an employee of Belmont Public Schools. Authorities emphasize the urgency of the case due to McDonough's position of trust with access to children and encourage anyone with information to contact law enforcement. McDonough pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court on October 22, 2025.