Former substitute teacher for Dansville schools facing child porn charges

MT. MORRIS, N.Y. (WHEC) — A former substitute teacher in the Dansville Central School District is facing child pornography charges.

State police arrested Derek Hagen, 29, of Mt. Morris, on July 26 and charged him with two counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child, a Class E felony.

State police say they received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, which led investigators to search Hagen’s electronic devices and his home. Investigators found images of child pornography and chats relating to child exploitation.

State police say Hagen is a long-term substitute teacher at the Dansville School District. Right now, troopers do not believe any current or former students were involved. The district has been helping with the ongoing investigation.

Superintended Paul Alioto issued a statement Tuesday, saying in part, Hagen is no longer employed with the district.

"Mr. Hagen had been employed by the Dansville Central School District during the 2020-2021 school year as a remedial teaching substitute and English for Speakers of Other Languages substitute, and as a teacher for the summer school clinic, summer 2021. Mr. Hagen is no longer employed with the District."

Hagen was released on an appearance ticket and is due back in court on Aug. 11.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call state police at (585) 398-4100.