Michael Ciccolella was released from Middlesex Jail on March 26 after posting $25,000 cash bail following his recent arrest on child pornography charges.
The former High Rock School teacher appeared in Middlesex Superior Court for a hearing at which his bail was reduced from a $5 million bond or $500,000 cash to a $250,000 bond or $25,000 cash. In reducing the bail, Judge Catherine Ham noted that Ciccolella has no criminal record, and cited his strong ties to community and family, and that he complied with police. Under the conditions of his release, Ciccolella is to have no contact with minors and no use of the internet. He must submit to home confinement with a GPS monitoring device. He is a resident of Ashland.
Ciccolella was arrested March 6 and criminally charged with possession of child pornography, distribution of obscene material and distribution of material depicting a nude child. According to prosecutors he “downloaded and/or disseminated over 168 new files containing pictures and videos” that included adult men having sexual contact with young boys. He also allegedly posed online as a 13-year-old boy.
Following his arrest, Ciccolella was placed on administrative leave by Needham Public Schools. Superintendent Dan Gutekanst issued a statement saying “law enforcement has no reason to believe that any High Rock or Needham Public Schools students were involved or harmed in any way.”
Ciccolella’s next district court appearance is scheduled for May 16. At that time, according to his attorney, Nicole Reilly, it may be determined whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. “The case is pending a possible indictment,” Reilly said. “An indictment will be up to a grand jury.”
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