A former Shasta County school employee accused of possessing, distributing and manufacturing child sexual abuse material is getting a thorough review of his history by Redding Police and the County Office of Education. On February 23rd a student who attended an after school program at the Redding STEM Academy told his parents that 39-year-old Fred Charles Gardner the third had allowed him access to his cell phone. The student said he saw nude photos of kids about his age. Redding Police seized the cell phone and Gardner was placed on administrative leave by the Shasta County Office of Education. He resigned soon after and was arrested March 17th. RPD Detectives say they found child sexual abuse material on the phone, including images that appeared to be real children modified with AI to sexualize them. Many concerned parents and school employees have come forward with more information about Gardner and detectives have contacted multiple previous employers where Gardner worked in Summer and after school programs. So far none of the alleged material seized from Gardner has been identified as any local students.
-Steve Gibson