Former substitute teacher arrested for child sexual abuse

SPRINGFIELD TWP, Pennsylvania (EYT) — A former substitute teacher and coach from Oreland, Pennsylvania, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse and human trafficking of minors, including a victim from Clarion County.

Tyler Degiacomo, 33, was arrested following an extensive investigation that began in March 2024 when a concerned mother discovered child sexual abuse material on her daughter’s phone that was allegedly linked to Degiacomo.

Degiacomo, who allegedly contacted his victims through the social media platforms TikTok and Snapchat, faces criminal charges including human trafficking of minors, unlawful contact with a minor, sexual abuse of children, possession of child pornography, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, corruption of minors, criminal use of a communications facility, sexual assault and serving alcohol to minors.

Authorities have identified at least four victims, including two from Montgomery County, one from Clarion County and one from Houston County, Alabama.

Degiacomo is accused of paying for sexually explicit material from the Clarion County victim and coercing the Alabama victim to send child sexual abuse material. In some cases, payment was in the form of cash, e-cigarettes and alcohol, CBS News Philadelphia reports.

Investigators used search warrants and digital forensic examinations of electronic devices to uncover details of Degiacomo’s crimes. The meetings reportedly took place in various locations, including Degiacomo’s apartment, parking lots and hotels, FOX29 reports.

Degiacomo, who previously worked as a substitute teacher and volunteer in the Springfield Township School District, was terminated from his volunteer position in March 2019 following a parental complaint. The Springfield School District then asked the substitute to no longer assign him to their district and reported its findings to the appropriate authorities.

Degiacomo was arraigned on Saturday, June 1, with bail set at $500,000 cash and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

Springfield Township Police Detectives urge anyone with additional information or potential victims to contact Detective Stephen Craig at 215-836-1601 x 1232.