PHILADELPHIA, PA — Jeremy Schobel, a former high school teacher from Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for orchestrating a sophisticated child exploitation scheme that preyed on young teenage girls. United States District Court Judge John F. Murphy handed down the sentence on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, which includes an additional 20 years of supervised release, marking the culmination of a case that has drawn attention nationwide due to its unsettling nature.
Schobel, 33, who previously taught at Harriton High School in Lower Merion Township and the High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia, was implicated in an elaborate catfishing operation. Over the course of more than three years, he masqueraded as multiple minor girls online, creating elaborate fake profiles designed to lure underage victims into sending explicit images and videos. Alarmingly, these activities were often conducted from within school premises, highlighting a grave breach of trust.
The arrest and subsequent indictment of Schobel in 2023 stemmed from an investigation led by the FBI, with Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella prosecuting the case. In March 2024, Schobel entered a guilty plea to charges of receipt and production of child pornography. His conviction mandates registration as a sex offender under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero emphasized the severity of Schobel’s crimes, emphasizing the breach of trust and exploitation inherent in the case. “As a teacher, Jeremy Schobel was tasked with developing young minds,” Romero stated, highlighting the contrast between his professional obligations and predatory actions. FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs echoed these sentiments, stressing the commitment of law enforcement to protecting children and bringing perpetrators to justice.
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