A former elementary school teacher arrested after tens of thousands of pornographic images of children were found on his computer was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison and lifetime probation Monday.
Joseph Chanecka, 44, could have received as few as five or as many as 25 years in prison after pleading guilty last month to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Tucson police detectives received a report in May that Chanecka, a teacher at Van Buskirk Elementary School, might have child pornography on his computer.
Chanecka resigned from the Tucson Unified School District on June 1, and police obtained a warrant for his arrest on June 22.
He was indicted in August on 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor under 15.
Deputy Pima County Attorney Anita Simons told Pima County Superior Court Judge Christopher Browning that a 10-year sentence would be appropriate for Chanecka considering police software indicated Chanecka had about 300,000 images on his computer.
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Defense attorney Janet Altschuler asked for a five-year term. No one has actually looked at all of the images found, so it's unknown if all of them are pornographic, she said.
Nothing will be gained by sending Chanecka to prison for more than five years, Altschuler said.
He's already lost his career, home, fianceé and their newborn son, she said. He also won't be able to help raise and support his two older children, she said.
Chanecka turned himself in to the police, and there has been "no evidence, no hint, no whisper" that he has ever inappropriately touched a child, Altschuler said.
In addition, a doctor who evaluated Chanecka believes there is little chance he'll re-offend, Altschuler said.
Chanecka will be a productive member of society once released from prison and will follow all of the rules of probation, the defense attorney said.
Her client was considered a leader among teachers. He ran an after-school program for three years, and he obtained $500,000 in grant money, Altschuler said.
Chanecka told Browning he's "extremely sorry" for his "foolish behavior" and for taking part in a system that exploits children. He also apologized to his family for what he's put them through.
Browning told Chanecka the number of images found on his computer was "almost incomprehensible," but gave him less than the 10-year maximum sentence because of his remorse, family support and lack of a criminal history. He also cited the doctor's belief Chanecka isn't likely to re-offend.
Chanecka had taught in the district since August 2004.
Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241 or kimsmith@azstarnet.com
