Former Parkway Teacher Charged with Child Pornography Offenses

A former elementary school teacher from the Parkway School District has been charged with a felony for allegedly downloading child pornography while on school premises. The individual, identified as James Finley III, was arrested on Wednesday in Warren County after police discovered he possessed over 21 nude photographs of underage girls.

The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities to child pornography being uploaded from an elementary school in St. Louis County. Following the tip, officers executed a search warrant at Finley’s residence in Wright City. During the search, Finley reportedly admitted to having a “child pornography addiction,” according to court documents.

On Thursday, the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against Finley, who has been held without bond in the local jail. He was a fifth-grade teacher at Ross Elementary during the 2024–2025 school year and has since been dismissed from his position.

In a letter sent to parents, Parkway Schools Superintendent Melissa Schneider reassured families that no images were uploaded through Parkway devices and emphasized that there are currently no reports of misconduct involving Finley and any students from Ross Elementary. Schneider also noted that a criminal background check prior to Finley’s hiring did not raise any concerns.

“We know this is upsetting news,” Schneider wrote. “Please be assured that the safety of your children is always our highest priority. Parkway will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as this case proceeds.”

A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, during which further details of the case may emerge. The Parkway School District is working closely with authorities to ensure the safety of its students and staff during this troubling situation.