LISBON A former Columbiana County substitute teacher has been indicted on 23 criminal counts, including 22 felony charges related to child pornography. The indictment against John M. McFarland, 42, was issued by a Columbiana County grand jury and filed in the Court of Common Pleas.

 McFarland faces five counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, a second-degree felony, which alleges he created, reproduced, or published obscene material. The indictment states these offenses occurred on or about May 5, 2025.

He also faces 17 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, a fourth-degree felony, which alleges he bought, possessed, or controlled obscene material with a minor as a participant. These charges are for offenses that allegedly occurred on or about May 20, 2025.

Additionally, McFarland was indicted on one count of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material, a fifth-degree felony, and one misdemeanor count of illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to court records, his arraignment is scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 28 before Judge Scott A. Washam.

McFarland, who had worked for the Columbiana County Educational Service Center as a paraprofessional and substitute paraeducator, was arrested in May by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. An affidavit from the task force detailed allegations that McFarland transmitted videos depicting minors on social media and through email on different dates in 2022 and 2025.

The Columbiana County ESC said in a statement in May that McFarland was placed on administrative leave and suspended immediately after the allegations were brought to its attention. The ESC also stated McFarland, who had completed all required background checks, was not left alone with students. He has been terminated from his position.

McFarland's past positions of trust included a corrections officer, drug counselor, and bus driver.