Grand jury to consider case of Columbiana County substitute teacher charged in child pornography case

John McFarland

The case of a substitute teacher in Columbiana County accused of possessing child pornography is now in the hands of a grand jury.

Forty-two-year-old John McFarland appeared in court on Tuesday where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His case has now been bound over to a grand jury who will decide whether or not there is enough evidence to indict him.

In the meantime, McFarland remains free on bond.

McFarland is charged with creating, reproducing or publishing obscene material involving a minor for commercial exploitation and buying, procuring or possessing obscene material involving a minor.

A criminal complaint accuses McFarland of transmitting videos of minors engaged in sexual conduct via email and social media with some appearing to be under the age of 10.

The complaint states that McFarland has held several positions of trust including a corrections officer, drug counselor, bus driver and substitute teacher.

According to the Columbiana County Educational Service Center (ESC), McFarland has subbed at multiple elementary schools in Salem including Buckeye and and Southeast. He also subbed at the ESC opportunity center and once in Leetonia.

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