ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - A former Rockbridge County High School band director is out on bond on child porn related charges, according to records filed in Rockbridge Regional Jail.
The Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office says on Thursday, July 16, investigators along with the Lexington Police Department began a joint investigation into matters involving Joseph Martin Silver, 27, of Lexington, Va., and his relationship with a former Rockbridge County High School student.
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Deputies say Silver was arrested Friday on charges of conspiring to possess child pornography, using a communication system for the purpose of procuring or promoting the use of a minor for an activity in violation of 18.2-374.1 [Production, publication, sale, financing, etc., of child pornography], and possession of marijuana.
During the course of the investigation Silver's former student, Aurica Lynn Baker, 18, of Lexington, Va., was arrested and charged with manufacturing child pornography, possession of child pornography, assault and battery, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
According to officials with Rockbridge County Public Schools, Silver was suspended without pay this week following the allegations. They said Silver was delivered the paperwork on the suspension Monday, July 20. School officials said the suspension was in direct reaction to the recent charges filed.
Before the suspension, Silver was the band director and music teacher at Rockbridge County High School. He had been in that position permanently for the past two years. Before that, Silver was the long-term sub at Rockbridge County Middle School.
The Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office says Silver and Baker became involved in a relationship after she graduated from Rockbridge County High School earlier this year.
Silver posted $15,000 cash bond on Tuesday, July 21. Baker is still currently being held on a $10,500 bond at Rockbridge Regional Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on September 28, 2015 in Rockbridge Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.