A Halifax County Public Schools early college teacher was arrested on child porn charges at RDU Airport before he could board a plane out of the country.

JESTONI JUMAQUIO PESTANO

Name: Jestoni Jumaquio Pestaño
Age: 36
Charge(s): Second degree sexual exploitation of a minor (Class E Felony)
Charge Type(s): (View Sentencing Chart)
Arrest Date: Feb, 23, 2024.
Bond Details: No Bond. Flight risk.

Victim /Case Details:

[VIA HALIFAX COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE]

On February 15, 2024, Detectives with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received a report of child pornography being shared in Halifax County through Instagram to another user in the Philippines. Detectives began working the case and determined that the media was being sent from a local IP address.
Detectives continued to investigate the case and determined the person that sent the images was a teacher at the Halifax County Early College.
Multiple search warrants were obtained and executed at the school and the residence of the suspect, Jestoni Jumaquio Pestaño.
The Department of Homeland Security was notified and assisted in the investigation.
On February 23, 2024, Detectives with Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, RDU Police Department, and Agents with The Department of Homeland Security took custody of Jestoni Jumaquio Pestaño, 36 of Roanoke Rapids at the Raleigh Durham International Airport while awaiting a flight that was destined for Japan.
Mr. Pestaño was transported to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, where he was served a warrant for Felony Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor that was previously obtained by Detective Sergeant C. Watkins.
Mr. Pestaño was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center without bond due to his potential flight risk and a court date of February 27, 2024, pending.
The investigation is still ongoing with the possibility of additional charges being filed.

District: Halifax
Current Role: Halifax County Early College
History:  Multiple schools; multiple countries including the United States and Phillipines
Halifax Early College Bio  [Archived version here]

Excerpts from bio:
“A dedicated and experienced educator with a strong teaching background spanning 12 years. Mr. Pestaño served as a full-time teacher at a Department of Education (Deped) in the Philippines, where he has been a Science-Biology and Research subject instructor for 9 years, primarily focusing on Grades 11 and 12. He holds the role of Classroom Teacher for Senior High School students and excels in planning, preparing, and presenting engaging lessons that cater to a wide range of student abilities within the K-12 classroom setting.”

“In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Pestaño has actively contributed to school administration by serving as the Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator for 4 years and as the Student Government Adviser for 3 years.”

“Prior to his current position, Mr. Pestaño had a successful 4-year tenure as a full-time teacher in a private school. During this time, he taught Science to students in Grades 7 to 9. He also assumed the role of Classroom Adviser/Homeroom Teacher for Grade 7, 8, and 9 students, demonstrating his ability to adapt, train, and execute lesson plans in alignment with school curriculum standards.”

“Outstanding Teacher Award at NEHS-Senior High School in November 2022.”

At some point, Pestaño was employed by the NY Dept. of Education per a brief bio on ReasearchGate.

Employment status: Current employee; status unknown.

Statement from District: An official statement has yet to be issued.

NC Teacher License Information:

License Number: 1278691
Name: PESTANO, JESTONI JUMAQUIO
License Type: Educator
License Status: Current
Expiration Date: 07/31/2024
Effective Date: 07/01/2023
License Area(s): Science: Biology 9-12, Science 9-12, School Administrator: Principal

License suspended 3-25-24.

Updates: Pestaño was convicted on Jan. 23 for felony third degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He was sentenced to 1 year and three months in prison but records show he was paroled a month later. Court records show he took a plea deal to consolidate the charges against him.