WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WKBW) — A retired psychologist working in the West Seneca School District is now facing a horrifying list of child pornography charges.
61-year-old David M. Calaiacovo appeared in Buffalo Federal Court on Friday.
The Hamburg man is accused of possessing and receiving explicit photos of little girls, some as young as 3-years-old.
According to the criminal complaint, federal agents searched Calaicovo's home on Wayfare Court on June 27, seizing a laptop which contained the images. Agents also seized other electronics including a cell phone, an additional laptop and desktop computer towers. A preliminary examination found at least 400 pornographic images of children on the devices.
During questioning, the complaint says Calaiacovo told investigators he had been in the psychology field for 35 years and had only retired from West Seneca the day before. According to a webpage that has since been removed, Calaicovo worked as the psychologist at Allendale Elementary School on Orchard Park Road.
The West Seneca Central School District issued the following statement:
The safety and welfare of our students is of the highest priority. We are not aware of any allegations of inappropriate conduct toward students and are fully prepared to cooperate with law enforcement on this matter. We will continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds.
The Diocese of Buffalo released this statement:
Immediately after the arrest of David Calaiacovo was announced, representatives of the Diocese of Buffalo began a review of Catholic schools within the West Seneca District. It was learned that Calaiacovo was the psychologist for the West Seneca District and therefore, did some testing at Queen of Heaven. Even though there were no complaints of inappropriate conduct at Queen of Heaven, all parents were promptly alerted by the Principal, Mary Damico. Additionally, we have confirmed that Calaiacovo did notdid not provide any services at South Buffalo Catholic (Notre Dame). Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael LaFever, continues to examine whether Calaiacovo participated, in any capacity, with our other Catholic Schools.
Please find Queen of Heaven Principal, Mary Damico’s, message to parents sent July 4th below:
“Good morning families & Happy 4th of July! I just want to reach out to our families regarding the recent news article about a former West Seneca (WS) employee, Mr. Dave Calaiacovo. After speaking to Matt Bystrak, the WS Superintendent, Fr. Greg and I want everyone to know that we are very vigilant here and have the students' safety at the forefront of our minds. Mr. Calaiacovo has been in our building to conduct testing on various students in his capacity as the school district's school psychologist. Fr. Greg and I want to echo Mr. Bystrak's statement to the district's parents: "Today the District was informed that a former staff member was arrested on charges relating to child pornography. The safety and welfare of our students is of the highest priority. We are not aware of any allegations of inappropriate conduct toward students and are fully prepared to cooperate with law enforcement on this matter. We will continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds."We want to express our willingness to work with all parents to discern if there were any concerns coming from the students regarding this. Please feel free to reach out to me or Fr. Greg with concerns. Mr. Bystrak alsowanted to let our parents know he is available to help if needed as well. I realize this is not the kind of news that you want on your holiday; however, it is important for you to know that we are not taking this matter lightly.
Sincerely, Mary Damico, Principal”
The U.S Attorney's Office discusses the matter below.
