Description
Matthew Fisher, Former Gow School administrator, has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography and hiding cameras on campus among other admissions.
The school released the following information to families on Friday afternoon:
"Dear Gow Community,
Unfortunately, I have further disturbing news about the Matt Fisher case. The U.S. Attorney plans to add new and more serious charges regarding production of child pornography.
Fisher remains jailed without bail after his detention hearing this morning. We understand from law enforcement that the FBI’s review to date of the items seized from Fisher’s residence on Sunday night contain images of unclothed male minors while they were present inside the Fisher residence. These were covertly recorded in his home.
What else we’ve learned:
- While the U.S. Attorney’s office cannot rule out anything, we are not aware of any images depicting minor females, or images captured outside of Fisher’s residence. So at this time we do not believe that any Gow student or camper who did not visit the Fisher residence is depicted.
- Given that different boys are depicted in the images, the U.S. Attorney decided to hold a news conference today to share a dedicated phone number for parents to contact the FBI to see if their child is involved. The phone is 833-609-1736.
- It is each family’s personal decision whether they choose to contact the FBI. Doing so, or not, will not affect the charges against Fisher.
- The latest allegations against Fisher are disturbing and will create justified anger and concern in our Gow community as well as neighboring towns, schools, and homes. I am deeply concerned about the families whose children may have been recorded without their knowledge.
- We anticipate media coverage will be extensive and wanted to communicate with you in advance.
I mentioned Wednesday that with the backing of our Board of Trustees, Gow hired a New York City security firm to scan all dorm buildings, locker rooms, and restrooms to be certain that no unauthorized devices are present. We expect that process will be completed during the Thanksgiving Break.
We will get through this because we are committed to our students and our educational mission, driven by the talent and strength of our dedicated and caring faculty and staff. Many of them need and deserve our strongest support at this time and will for days to come. Families pull together at times like these, and the Gow family will as well.
As I’ve said since Monday when I first wrote to you, this man and his alleged actions will not define us, our school, or our future. We will continue to provide our faculty and staff families with all the support they need and want. And I again want to thank you for your ongoing empathy, which means so much at this difficult time."
On Friday, the Western New York District of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI released phone numbers, email addresses, and a web link for any victims of Matthew Fisher to come forward.
U.S. Attorney's Office:
FBI:
TIPS.FBI.GOV