Former Westfield High Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Possession

Matthew Ozol faces up to 20 years in prison for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A former math teacher at Westfield High School in New Jersey has pleaded guilty to federal charges of possession of child pornography. Matthew Ozol, 40, of Jersey City, admitted to receiving and possessing over 100 images and 75 videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. Ozol had resigned from his teaching position at Westfield High in June 2022 prior to his arrest.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of child sexual exploitation and the efforts by law enforcement to combat this serious crime. The guilty plea of a former teacher in possession of such disturbing material raises concerns about the safety of students and the need for thorough background checks and strong protocols to protect children in schools.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Ozol's text messages showed he had expressed a desire to sexually abuse children, including in a chat group titled 'Baby Rapist.' Law enforcement found the large cache of child sexual abuse material on Ozol's electronic devices when they executed a search warrant at his home. Ozol faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced in August.

  • Ozol resigned from his teaching position at Westfield High in June 2022.
  • Ozol was arrested and charged in 2023.
  • Ozol pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Evelyn Padin in February 2026.
  • Ozol is scheduled to be sentenced in August 2026.

The players

Matthew Ozol

A 40-year-old former math teacher at Westfield High School in New Jersey who pleaded guilty to federal charges of possession of child pornography.

Westfield High School

The high school in Westfield, New Jersey where Ozol previously taught math before resigning in June 2022.

U.S. Attorney's Office

The federal prosecutor's office that brought the charges against Ozol and secured his guilty plea.

Judge Evelyn Padin

The U.S. District Court judge who presided over Ozol's guilty plea hearing.

Raymond Gonzalez

The Westfield Schools Superintendent who issued a letter to the community regarding Ozol's arrest, emphasizing the district's commitment to student safety.

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What they’re saying

“While this matter does not involve our district or any of our students, we understand that such news can raise concerns. The safety and well-being of our students is, and always will be, our highest priority. Our district conducts thorough background checks for all employees, and we consistently review and strengthen our protocols to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.”

— Raymond Gonzalez, Westfield Schools Superintendent (tapinto.net)

What’s next

Ozol is scheduled to be sentenced in August 2026, where he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating child sexual exploitation and the critical importance of thorough background checks, strong protocols, and vigilance to protect students in schools. It underscores the need for continued efforts to identify, prosecute, and prevent such abuses in order to keep children safe.