Former Orange County Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse Material

Richard O'Connor, a former elementary school teacher and wrestling coach, admits to possessing child sexual abuse material, including videos depicting "masochistic sexual conduct involving a child." No accusations of victimizing students. Sentencing scheduled, facing up to 20 years in prison, with a recommended sentence of no more than five years.

Richard O’Connor, a former elementary school teacher and high school wrestling coach in Orange County, has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. The Department of Justice presented evidence, including a video depicting “masochistic sexual conduct involving a child.” O’Connor, who taught at Crescent Elementary School and coached wrestling at Canyon High School in Anaheim, was not accused of victimizing any of his students.

Law enforcement served a warrant for O’Connor’s iCloud account in October 2022, leading to the discovery of hundreds of pictures and videos of child pornography. O’Connor admitted to possessing files that depicted infants, toddlers, and scenes of “violent, sadistic, or masochistic conduct.”

Scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2023, O’Connor faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and will be required to register as a sex offender. However, federal prosecutors have recommended a sentence no higher than five years.