Bennett High Social Worker Arrested on 10 Counts of Child Porn

SALISBURY, Md. – A social worker employed by James M. Bennett High School has been charged with ten counts of possessing child pornography, WMDT learned on Monday.

Public case records indicate that 47-year-old Matthew Allen Powell of Berlin was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 24. He is charged with eight counts of misdemeanor possession of child pornography, in addition to two counts of felony distribution of child pornography.

Powell’s first court appearance at the Worcester County Circuit Court was also on Wednesday. His bail was set at $25,000. Powell posted a cash percentage bond of $2,500 and was released on the same day. Judge Brian D. Shockley is presiding over this case.

WMDT reached out to Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) for comment on Powell’s arrest.

“WCPS first learned of this when charges were filed last week in Worcester County Circuit Court.  All of the alleged offenses occurred before the individual began working for our school system,” said Public Information Officer Tracy Sahler in a statement. “As soon as we learned of these charges, we took immediate steps to ensure the individual no longer has contact with students. The school informed parents and staff of the situation.”

WCPS maintains that the safety and well-being of students is their highest priority. The school system stated that all established protocols are being followed and that they would not be providing further details at this time.