Former Parkway Teacher Charged with Child Pornography
A former elementary school teacher from the Parkway School District, James Finley III, has been charged with a felony for allegedly downloading child pornography while on school property. The charges stem from a police investigation initiated after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities that child pornography had been uploaded from an elementary school in St. Louis County.
On Wednesday, St. Louis County police executed a search warrant at Finley’s residence in Wright City. During the search, authorities reportedly discovered more than 21 nude photographs of underage girls. According to court records, Finley admitted to having a “child pornography addiction” during his arrest.
Following his arrest, Finley was charged on Thursday in Warren County, where Wright City is located. He is currently being held in the Warren County Jail without bond. A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Parkway School District confirmed that Finley taught fifth grade at Ross Elementary during the 2024–2025 school year and has since been terminated from his position. In a letter sent to parents on Thursday night, Superintendent Melissa Schneider assured the community that no images were uploaded using Parkway devices and that there are no current reports of misconduct involving any students from Ross Elementary.
In her letter, Schneider emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety, stating, “We know this is upsetting news. Please be assured that the safety of your children is always our highest priority. Parkway will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as this case proceeds.”
Prior to his hiring, a criminal background check on Finley did not indicate any concerns, according to the district. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the implications of this serious allegation.
