The teacher, who faces 10 charges, did not apply for bail, which was formally refused

A Sydney high school teacher has been charged with 10 offenses after police found a “significant” amount of child abuse material in his possession, including photographs of a former pupil.

Nathaniel Ballesta, 35, was charged with three counts of possession of child abuse material, three counts of causing a child over 14 to commit child abuse material, two counts of using a device to solicit sexual activity from a child under 16, one count of producing child abuse material and one count of using a device to engage in sexual activity by a child.

Police seized electronic devices allegedly belonging to a years-long relationship between Nathaniel Ballesta and a former student. NSW Police

Ballesta was suspended from his job as an English teacher at John Edmondson High School in Horningsea Park, south-west Sydney.

Automated systems built into cloud-based platforms flagged child exploitation material, with the Australian Center to Combat Child Exploitation referring the matter to the Sex Crimes Team on Tuesday.

Nathaniel Ballesta was suspended from his position as an English teacher at John Edmondson High School.John Edmondson High School

On Thursday, police executed a search warrant at a home in Bardia and seized electronic devices allegedly containing child abuse material.

Detectives allegedly uncovered online communications between the man and a teenage girl who was once Ballesta’s student.

Police spoke to the alleged victim and security measures were put in place to protect him.

Detective Acting Superintendent Adam Powderly said the amount of abuse seized was “significant”. Police are investigating whether there were any other victims or students involved, he said.

“Other victims may be identified and additional charges are anticipated,” Powderly said in a statement Friday.

“As a parent, a community member, and an experienced police officer, it is deeply concerning to see trusted members of our community, such as educators, allegedly involved in these types of crimes.”

Ballesta, who appeared at Campbelltown Local Court via video link on Friday, did not apply for bail and was formally refused.

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the State Crime Command Sexual Offenses Division Child Exploitation Internet Unit into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and associated telecommunications devices.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Advisory Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

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