EDITOR'S NOTE: This article contains graphic content.
EASTON, Pa. — A Palmer Township police officer has been charged with sending pornographic images of himself to an underage Easton Area High School student, authorities said.
John "J.T." Smoke, 45, was a school resource officer when he sent the 16-year-old girl money via CashApp and disseminated a sexually explicit image of himself, the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office said.
Smoke allegedly FaceTimed the girl from his school office while she was home sick last October and had his penis in his hand, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
The victim screen-recorded the call, police said.
In a news release Wednesday, Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta said prompt action was taken by school officials and law enforcement when they were advised of the incident.
Smoke was removed from the school and Palmer Township police seized his duty pistol, badge and work computer, the release said. He voluntarily turned over his personal cell phone, according to court records.
“We want to assure the students, parents and others who may have an ongoing relationship with the school that all information gathered to this point indicates that this is a completely isolated matter."Northampton County District Attorney’s Office release
Smoke, of Upper Mount Bethel Township, was charged with one count of corruption of minors and arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Susan Hutnik.
He was released on $50,000 unsecured bail with a preliminary hearing set for May 17.
Township police initially placed Smoke on administrative leave, court records say.
Chief Wayne Smith said Wednesday that Smoke has been suspended from the force with the intent to terminate. He is a 20-year veteran of the Palmer Township Police Department who has been stationed at the high school since September 2022, Smith said.
"We take this matter very seriously and are cooperating fully with the investigation, which is being conducted by the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office," the chief said.
Authorities said Smoke will be under pretrial supervision and has been ordered to have no contact with the victim and no entry to Easton Area High School.
The charge carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
“We want to assure the students, parents and others who may have an ongoing relationship with the school that all information gathered to this point indicates that this is a completely isolated matter,” the release said.
Baratta’s office said there is no indication that there are other student victims, and no other students have ongoing contact with Smoke.
Smith said anyone with information relevant to the investigation should contact the district attorney's office.
