Polk County teacher said virus caused porn download on school computer

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Polk County teacher, suspended for allegedly downloading pornography on his school laptop, could be back in the classroom.

Some parents of children who go to Inwood Elementary School in Winter Haven told Channel 9's Kenneth Craig that teacher Stephen Brown is the last person they want to see back in their children's classrooms.

One said she would take drastic action if Brown returns.

"I would be looking to switch schools. I would," said parent Latoya Stoutamir.

Polk County School District administrators decided to fire Brown in January after officials said more than 200 graphic and violent pornographic images were found on his school-issued laptop.

But Brown demanded his case be heard before an administrative law judge.

After months of fighting, the judge has recommended Brown be put back in a classroom.

Brown, his attorney and an expert testified it was a virus known as the FBI virus that got into his computer and downloaded the porn without him knowing.

Brown said he even called the FBI, which told him the virus was common. He said he then took the laptop to Staples to have it removed.

Brown then reported the issue to the school district. Officials with the district decided to investigate Brown's claims.

Brown's attorneys said the number of images downloaded were done so quickly that it must have been a virus that was responsible.

A judge ruled that it was possible the virus was responsible for the downloads and that the district couldn't prove the teacher downloaded the images.

The judge recommended that Brown should get his job back and that he should also receive back pay and benefits.

School district officials would not say if they will return Brown to the classroom.

WFTV