Springfield teacher charged with sending obscene matter

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A former Springfield elementary school teacher is facing charges for allegedly sending an inappropriate photograph of himself to a middle school student, but his lawyer says it was all just a mistake.

The Republican (http://bit.ly/1yaacue ) newspaper reports that Michael Cieboter, a former teacher at the Mary Pottenger Elementary School, was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty Monday to a charge of distribution of obscene matter.

A Springfield school department spokeswoman says Cieboter no longer works for the district.

Authorities say he sent a picture of his buttocks to the girl via Facebook. The teacher immediately texted the girl asking her to delete the photo because she was not the intended recipient.

Cieboter's lawyer says his client denies the charges and believes he will be exonerated.

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Information from: The Springfield (Mass.) Republican, http://www.masslive.com/news/