NEW BRIGHTON, Pa. \u2014 A man from Beaver Falls is behind bars facing 100 child pornography charges after police found more than 2,500 images and videos on his phone.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s some of the most horrific stuff you\u2019ll ever see,\u201d said Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible of the images found on 22-year-old Luke Poteete\u2019s phone.<\/p>\n
Police said the children in the pictures and videos ranged from two to 10 years old.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s terrifying,\u201d Bible said.<\/p>\n
The images were found while police were investigating allegations made against Poteete last September that he raped a 12-year-old child he met at the New Brighton Area Middle School. They were searching Poteete\u2019s phone for communications between him and the 12-year-old.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe really needs God,\u201d said Boyce Hill of Beaver. \u201cThat\u2019s just awful to hear, honestly.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c[He] should be put away for a while,\u201d added Tim Hopton of Beaver Falls.<\/p>\n
Poteete was arrested on that child rape charge in April. Police said Poteete raped the 12-year-old middle school student in May of last year. She reported it in September.<\/p>\n
According to police, Poteete was a student at Geneva College at the time and was observing 7th-grade classes at New Brighton Area Middle School.<\/p>\n
Police said the girl and a friend met Poteete at the school, and he took them to the woods to hang out before getting alcohol for them. During that incident, police said Poteete raped her in the back seat of his car.<\/p>\n
New Brighton Area Superintendent Dr. Joseph A. Guarino told Channel 11 in a statement, \u201cThe New Brighton Area School District takes the safety and well-being of all students seriously. We are aware of the charges and can confirm that we have fully cooperated and provided information to those agencies conducting the investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Poteete also worked with kids at the YMCA of Beaver County before these allegations. His LinkedIn page said he coached basketball and soccer there.<\/p>\n
Channel 11 asked the YMCA for a statement but has not yet heard back.<\/p>\n
The district attorney said the 12-year-old girl who reported the rape in September was brave and hopes it encourages other potential victims of child sexual abuse to come forward, in this case, and others.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor every one that comes forward, I guarantee you there\u2019s 20 out there that don\u2019t,\u201d Bible said. \u201cSo anytime somebody does muster up the courage to come forward and talk about what happened to them, we\u2019re here for them, and we\u2019re ready for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Channel 11 reached out to Geneva College for comment. In response, they said: <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are providing this update regarding Luke Poteete, a former Geneva student, who is the subject of recent legal filings.<\/p>\n
\u201cLuke has not been a student at Geneva College since the Fall 2025 semester. While we recognize this news may lead to additional questions, federal law under FERPA strictly prohibits us from commenting on the specifics of any student\u2019s personal or educational records. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs an institution, we remain committed to campus safety and the integrity of our community values. We will cooperate with any law enforcement inquiries we may receive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Poteete is in the Beaver County Jail. <\/p>\n
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