Aiken man arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – Aiken County Sheriff’s Office investigators have arrested a man for sexual exploitation of a minor after receiving a CyberTip report from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

Michael George Poda, 34, was arrested and charged on five counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the 3rd degree. According to arrest warrants, Poda allegedly possessed inappropriate photos of underage girls on a cell phone.

A spokesperson for Aiken County Public School District confirmed that Poda, an employee, worked as a band teacher for Schofield Middle School for two years.

“As a standard protocol, Podais being placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of Law Enforcement’s investigation which is ongoing,” said Merry Glenne Piccolino, executive director of communications and community partnerships of Aiken County Schools.

In a press release sent Thursday, July 10, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office stated it received assistance from the Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and the U.S. Secret Service in the investigation.

This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.