A former school employee in Fairfield arrested last month and accused of possessing child pornography now faces sexual assault and child endangerment charges for allegations tied to two minors.
Peter Wheeler, Jr., 24, of Fairfield was arrested Tuesday on two counts of risk of injury to a minor and a single count of fourth-degree sexual assault, according to the Fairfield Police Department.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation police conducted into Wheeler after his arrest on Jan. 23 on one count of first-degree possession of child pornography. At the time of the initial arrest, police identified him as a school employee.
Superintendent of Fairfield Public Schools Michael Testani said Wednesday that Wheeler is no longer employed by the school district. Testani did not elaborate or comment further.
According to a Facebook profile for a user named Peter Wheeler, he served as a paraprofessional with the school system.
During the investigation following the initial arrest, Fairfield police Sgt. Michael Stahl said in a statement Tuesday that authorities “uncovered information indicating the possible victimization of two juveniles.”
One of the juveniles, only identified as a high school student, had contact with Wheeler through text messages, phone calls and social media interactions, which occurred between late 2022 and late 2023, according to Stahl. The correspondences included the exchange of texts and photographs, Stahl said, adding that contact between the two was severed before police began investigating.
Following that investigation, detectives obtained a warrant charging Wheeler with risk of injury to a child.
During the investigation, detectives also found that Wheeler allegedly had inappropriate contact with an elementary school-aged girl, Stahl said. Following a forensic interview with the girl, police sought a warrant charging Wheeler with risk of injury to a child and fourth-degree sexual assault, Stahl said.
“The Fairfield Police Department continues to actively collaborate with the Fairfield Public School system, and have maintained continuous communication throughout the investigation,” Stahl said. “Parents and caregivers concerned about potential contact with Wheeler are urged to reach out to the Fairfield Police Investigative Division at (203) 254-4840.”
Fairfield police in November initially began investigating Wheeler after receiving a tip from the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit about the potential possession of child pornography by someone in Fairfield. Police carried out what Stahl described as an “exhaustive investigation,” which included numerous search and seizure warrants that led to Wheeler being developed as a potential suspect.
Once authorities confirmed Wheeler was at the time an employee with the school system, he “was removed from having any further interactions with students and staff immediately and not permitted into any buildings,” Stahl previously said.
Police on Jan. 11 searched Wheeler’s Fairfield home and seized several digital devices. He was charged with possessing child pornography nearly two weeks later. That case remains pending in the Bridgeport courthouse, where Wheeler has pleaded not guilty.
Following his arrest Tuesday, Wheeler was held overnight on a $350,000 bond and was expected to be arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court on Wednesday.
“The Fairfield Police Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of our residents, particularly our children,” Stahl said Tuesday. “The recent developments have undoubtedly stirred profound emotions within our community. We understand the impact this may have on students and parents alike and as such, we encourage students and parents to utilize the available resources within the schools and the broader community.
“We are dedicated to thoroughly addressing any actions that pose a threat to our community, especially when involving individuals in positions of trust,” Stahl added. “Our collaboration with the Fairfield Public Schools is crucial, and we continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency throughout this investigation. The emotional impact on our community is forefront in our minds, and we stand united as community partners to support anyone in need during this difficult time.”
