Columbiana County substitute teacher faces felony child pornography charges
A substitute teacher from Columbiana County is facing felony pandering obscenity charges and a misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charge, with authorities alleging he possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material. John Maramon McFarland, 42, was arrested by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force after an investigation revealed a series of alleged offenses.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Detective Daniel Haueter, McFarland allegedly transmitted a video depicting a minor male engaged in sexual conduct via a social media platform in October 2022.
The complaint further alleges that on May 5, 2025, McFarland emailed nine videos depicting minors, some appearing to be under age 10, engaged in sexual conduct and sexual acts. On Wednesday, authorities reportedly found McFarland in possession of several videos depicting children, including infants and toddlers, being sexually assaulted or engaging in sexual activity.
The charges against McFarland include creating, reproducing, or publishing obscene material involving a minor for commercial exploitation, which is a second-degree felony, and buying, procuring, or possessing obscene material involving a minor, a fourth-degree felony.
The affidavit also states that McFarland has held past positions of trust, including a corrections officer, drug counselor, and bus driver. His current one-year temporary substitute multi-age PK-12 license, issued by the Ohio Department of Education on October 18, 2024, is valid through June 30, 2025, and is specifically valid for the Columbiana County Educational Service Center (ESC).
According to the Columbiana County ESC, McFarland has subbed at Southeast Elementary School and Buckeye Elementary School in Salem. He also subbed at the ESC Opportunity Center and once in Leetonia in December of 2024.
The majority of the classes he subbed for were ESC unit classrooms run by ESC teachers and staff at Salem Reilley.
A Google search history on McFarland's mobile device reportedly showed searches for "student teacher relationships," "Nebraska Pedophiles," and "CP," an abbreviation for child pornography.
21 News has reached out to the Columbiana ESC Superintendent, Marie Williams, to learn about McFarland’s status as a substitute teacher and received the following statement:
"We are aware of the recent arrest of a substitute employee who began working with the Columbiana County ESC at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The individual was initially hired as a paraprofessional and served as part of a classroom team until November. In January 2025, he transitioned to a substitute paraeducator role and worked periodically in classrooms thereafter."
"This individual completed all required background checks prior to employment. At no time was he left alone with students, as all of our classrooms are staffed with a licensed teacher and at least two support staff members."
"The individual has not subbed in a classroom since May 2nd and in learning of the allegations on May 21st, the individual was immediately suspended and placed on administrative leave. We take these allegations seriously and are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation as well as working with our own legal counsel in determining next steps. The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment."
"As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this time. Thank you."
McFarland was arraigned Thursday, appearing via video in Columbiana County Municipal Court. He pleaded not guilty to the drug paraphernalia charge but did not enter a plea to the two felony counts of pandering obscenity. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for May 27.