On the evening of Monday, May 9, the Colonie Police Department arrested Sara M. McLaughlin, 38, of Loudonville–an employee at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany–following an investigation into her use of Snapchat to send a 16-year-old male nude photographs of herself.
The department reportedly became aware of allegations that the defendant was having an inappropriate social media interaction with a minor three days prior to McLaughlin’s arrest. Following their investigation, she was charged with disseminating indecent material to a child, a felony, and endangering the welfare of a child. McLaughlin turned herself in on Monday with her attorney, Lee Kindlon. She was arraigned in Colonie Justice Court, served an order of protection and released on $10,000.00 bail. Her case has been referred to the Albany County District Attorney for scheduling of future court appearances.
Police report that there is no indication of any criminal or inappropriate physical contact between the defendant and the victim and also no indication of any other victims, but that a forensic analysis of the defendant’s cellphone is underway. Police believe there may be a possibility that other victims exist and anyone with information about this incident or who believes they are victim is urged to contact the Colonie Police Department at 783-2744.