FBI: teacher used Facebook to lure kids

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's a shocking case that has shaken a suburban community. A man, entrusted to teach children, is accused of using Facebook to commit disturbing crimes. The former substitute teacher is now charged with child pornography.

The charges have stunned West Seneca school district administrators.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Crawford said, "This fellow was very clever. He had a clean background and no one had any idea what he was up to."

But the FBI says 25-year-old Timothy Bek, a former long-term substitute high school teacher, was up to plenty. He's charged with possession of child pornography, and federal agents claim that Bek used a fake Facebook identity under the name "Sarah Grayson" to entice students to send him explicit pictures of themselves.

Acting FBI Special Agent In Charge Richard Kollmar said, "We have evidence that shows that he was actually attempting to blackmail them also, using extortion saying, 'If you do not send me what I want, more photographs, we will...she will distribute those photographs.'"

"What we know is three students have been identified," said Dr. Crawford.

Kollmar said, "Since those numbers were released we've identified several other victims."

Kollmar says that agents are trying to determine who's a possible victim, and whether some or all attend West Seneca High School. News of Bek's arrest caught parents by surprise. A letter went out to parents informing them that the district is working with law enforcement to protect the safety and health of students.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Patrick Phelan said, "There was no indication while he was employed that there was any inappropriate behaviors that we were aware of."

Federal authorities say Bek popped up on their radar screen a week earlier when they arrested his brother and roommate during an internet sting.

"The charges were soliciting a minor. What he was charged with, Jason Bek, is totally separate from what the brother, Timothy Bek was charged with," said Kollmar.