NEEDHAM, Mass. — Christopher Carlisle, 30, a staff member of the Needham Extended Day Program at Eliot Elementary School, has been arrested and charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, making him the third Needham Public Schools employee arrested on similar charges since March.
Carlisle, a resident of Millis, was taken into custody following a three-month investigation by a state cybercrime unit. Authorities say he is also charged with distributing obscene material and possessing a controlled substance. He was arraigned at Wrentham District Court on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty, and was released on personal recognizance. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 1.
Police traced child sex abuse material to Carlisle’s address, though officials say there is no evidence suggesting students were directly endangered. He has been placed on administrative leave and barred from school grounds.
This arrest follows the recent cases of Michael Ciccolella, a High Rock Middle School teacher arrested in March, and Spencer Parrish, Needham High School’s former band director, arrested in April—both for possession of child pornography. All three have pleaded not guilty, and authorities have not linked the cases.
Needham Superintendent Dan Gutekanst called the latest incident “shocking” and emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety. He announced plans to review hiring and oversight policies, and said a virtual meeting will be held to update the community.
The Needham School Committee met Tuesday evening, with Gutekanst confirming that counseling services were made available for students and families affected by the news.
