HOOVER, Ala. — The assistant IT director at Briarwood Christian School in Hoover was arrested Friday on allegations involving the possession and distribution of child pornography, authorities said.
Taylor Michael Ward, 34, of Montevallo, was taken into custody by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 3. Ward faces 10 counts of possession of child pornography and 10 counts of dissemination or display of child pornography, authorities confirmed. He is being held at the Shelby County Jail with bond set at $900,000.
According to investigators, the arrest followed a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which identified the sharing of child sexual abuse material in Shelby and Jefferson counties. Detectives with the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search at Ward’s residence, seizing several electronic devices allegedly used in the crimes. The seized material reportedly included videos depicting prepubescent girls involved in explicit acts.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for providing an electronic detection canine and handler, which played a key role in the search operation at the suspect’s residence.
In a statement, Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said his office would continue working to halt the transmission or receipt of child pornography in the county, emphasizing the dedication and technological resources available to investigators.
Authorities stated the investigation remains ongoing and are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Sheriff’s Office or to submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.