MILFORD - Federal agents are investigating Middle School East Principal Joseph Pfeil for allegedly viewing or transmitting child pornography on a computer, a source close to the investigation said yesterday.
Pfeil, who has not been charged with any criminal offense, was placed on administrative leave with pay Thursday after Superintendent Thomas Davoren learned of the investigation earlier that morning.
Davoren and School Committee members said yesterday they had not been told by law enforcement officials why Pfeil is being investigated.
The FBI seized three computers from Pfeil's office Thursday, Davoren said.
"There are no allegations, there's no investigation related to any improprieties with kids, parents (or) staff in Milford," Davoren said.
"It seems to be an Internet situation," he said. "I can think that's the only reason they want the computers out of his office."
Davoren has appointed Craig Consigli, Stacy Middle School's assistant principal, to temporarily replace Pfeil at Middle School East.
Lisa Kingkade, an adjustment counselor at Milford High School, will fill in for Consigli at the busy Stacy school, Davoren said.
Consigli is certified as a principal and most students at the eighth-grade Middle School East know him from attending the Stacy school, which serves grades 5 through 7. Kingkade has a strong background in guidance, Davoren said.
"We have two very energetic, caring professionals agreeing to step forward to help us with this situation," Davoren said.
Agents went to the Main Street school on Thursday morning after meeting with Davoren, Milford Police Chief Thomas O'Loughlin, Assistant Superintendent Jose Vieira and Detective Sgt. Kenneth Kingkade.
The police chief said the FBI contacted him last week to inform him the agency was conducting an investigation.
Davoren said he only learned of the probe Thursday morning, when O'Loughlin asked him to come to the police station.
"I had no idea when I came to work (Thursday)," Davoren said. "All I wanted to do was get some work and come home because I've got a wicked cold."
The federal investigation apparently grew out of Rhode Island, O'Loughlin said. Pfeil lives in North Providence.
O'Loughlin said he believes the investigation has been going on since the fall, but he offered few other details, saying Milford Police have no direct role in the probe.
"It's an FBI investigation," O'Loughlin said. "Soup to nuts, it's their game."
Thomas Connell, public affairs officer for U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente in Providence, confirmed yesterday that federal law enforcement visited Middle School East.
Numerous attempts to reach Pfeil have been unsuccessful.
Davoren said the district will meet with the full Middle School East staff first thing Monday morning to discuss the incident, and will schedule meetings next week with both parents and students. School has been on vacation this week.
Davoren said he will answer any questions from parents that he can.
Parents were shocked by Pfeil's suspension and said they hoped to hear more from the school district soon.
"My husband and I have two boys at Middle East, and both of them are very upset," said Shannon Vinton Delmore, co-president of the school's parent- teacher organization. "I hope that (school officials) handle it with the kids on Monday in a manner that the kids can deal with."
In a situation like this, parents need to know the basic facts of what happened, Delmore said. "My biggest concern is obviously for the kids, and I know that my boys had a great relationship with (Pfeil) and they really liked him and they really respected him," she said.
School Committee Chairman Pacifico DeCapua Jr. said he could not confirm or deny the child pornography allegation. But he said Pfeil is apparently not accused of harming anyone in the Milford community.
"To the best of our belief, the investigation does not involve any members of the school community," DeCapua said.
Until now, Pfeil has not faced any disciplinary action or complaints. He is well-respected by other administrators, Davoren said.
Pfeil was hired in 2001 to replace Davoren as principal at Middle School East. He was a principal at Exeter-West Greenwich, R.I., Junior High School and taught in Mansfield for 23 years.
Pfeil is known for finding ways to reward students for good performance and developing a good rapport with students, Davoren said.
"He has had a really good relationship with the student body, mutually respectful," Davoren said.
For now, placing Pfeil on leave makes the most sense for all involved, Davoren said.
"It truly is in the best interest of the students, because this is publicized, for parents and staff," Davoren said. "It's in the best interest of Principal Joe Pfeil."
