LISBON, Ohio -
On Thursday afternoon, James Watt of Columbiana made his first appearance in court since his indictment on charges of possessing lewd images of children.
 
During the hearing, the retired Lisbon teacher appeared stoic in front of Judge Megan Bickerton, when his attorneys entered him into a not guilty plea on all 75 felony charges. 
 
Earlier this month, police confiscated 18 devices from Watt based on information from a "cyber tip." According to the indictment, Watt allegedly possessed obscene material involving children on October 22.
 
According to Columbiana County assistant prosecutor Steve Yacavone, the 68-year-old man is facing a maximum of 18 months for 60 counts of pandering obscene images involving children along with a maximum of 12 months for 15 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material.
 
With all charges combined, Watt could face a maximum sentence of 114 years if convicted.
 
The former Lisbon STEM teacher retired in May 2024.  School officials assure no students were victimized during his employment. 
 
Watt is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. for a pretrial hearing