EASTPOINTE, Mich. (WXYZ) — A fourth-grade teacher at Pleasantview Elementary School in Eastpointe Community Schools if facing federal child pornography charges after being arrested in Vermont.
Martin Waskowski has been charged with transporting child pornography in interstate of foreign commerce and knowingly possesing child pornography that had been transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Waskowski was arrested on December 3 while trying to enter into the US from Canada at the Highgate Springs Port of Entry in Highgate, Vermont, which is towards the western state border with New York. Officials say he had been flagged for secondary inspection because he was "an exact match" for "a law enforcement records inquiry with suspicion of attempted sexual enticement of a minor."
According to the criminal complaint, during the secondary inspection, a Customs and Border Patrol officer examined Waskowski's phone and found "probably child sexual abuse material." Waskowski was then detained and the Homeland Security Investigations was called for assistance. It was during an examination of Waskowski's phone by the HSI agent that, according to the criminal complaint, images of children under the age of 14 involved in various sex acts were found interspersed with personal photos and videos of Waskowki.
During questioning, officials say Waskowski admitted to "seeking and receiving" child pornography, as well as producing child pornography by recording a spy camera of a 12-year-old boy in a restroom at his Michigan home.
During a court appearance, Waskowski was ordered to be released to the custody of his father for home detention. He was also ordered to say away from areas where children may be. He is due back in Vermont Federal Court on December 23.
Eastpointe Community Schools posted the following message on their website about the case:
Eastpointe Community Schools was notified on Friday, December 5, 2025, by the Michigan State Police and the Department of Homeland Security that a Pleasantview teacher had been arrested out of state on December 3, 2025, and charged with possession and transportation of child exploitation materials. Prior to this formal notification, the District had no knowledge of, nor had it received any allegations related to, this individual.
Eastpointe Community Schools was notified on Friday, December 5, 2025, by the Michigan State Police and the Department of Homeland Security that a Pleasantview teacher had been arrested out of state on December 3, 2025, and charged with possession and transportation of child exploitation materials. Prior to this formal notification, the District had no knowledge of, nor had it received any allegations related to, this individual.
Upon receiving this information, the District took immediate action and placed Pleasantview Elementary teacher Martin Waskowski on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. As with all criminal proceedings, a charge is an allegation; the individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. However, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We take this matter extremely seriously, and regardless of the outcome of the criminal investigation, the District will continue to act in the best interest of children at all times.
Mr. Waskowski has been employed with Eastpointe Community Schools at Pleasantview for three school years. A long-term substitute teacher has been assigned to the classroom to ensure continuity of instruction and minimize any disruption to students’ learning.
The District is cooperating fully with the agencies involved in the investigation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has established a dedicated email for parents or guardians to report any concerning behavior. School social workers are also available to support students who may have questions or concerns.
For tips or information related to this matter, please email: HSI-Waskowski-Investigation@hsi.dhs.gov
