Teacher Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography NR10360rf

Police Seek Children Who May Have Been Victims of Improper Contact or Communication

Los Angeles:  Sexual assault investigators of the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Operations West Bureau (OWB) have arrested a local teacher for possession of child pornography.  Investigators believe there might be children who have had inappropriate contact or communication with the arrestee and are hoping they will come forward.

On July 9, 2010, 58-year-old Barry Klein, a middle-school teacher in the Hollywood area since 2001, was arrested without incident for possession of child pornography when he turned himself in to the LAPD.  In addition to having the pornography, investigators are also concerned about the possibility that he was communicating with minors online via Yahoo Messenger for sexual purposes. Klein, a long-time resident of the San Fernando Valley, used the screen name “mrredheadbear.”

Anyone with information about the case, especially if it’s helpful in locating minors who have had any type of inappropriate contact with Klein are encouraged to get in touch with OWB Sexual Assault Detail Officer Justin Malcuit at 213-473-0404 or by email at 36275@lapd.lacity.org.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.