Water Spring Middle School teacher fired, arrested following allegations of child pornography

A former teacher at Water Spring Middle School and part-time employee of the Roper YMCA Family Center has been fired and arrested following allegations of child pornography.

According to Orange County Public Schools officials, Ryan Hamil, 22, was terminated from his employment with the school district Aug. 25, when school administration was made aware of a law enforcement investigation.

Hamil, an Ocoee resident, has not been on campus since that day.

Water Spring Middle Principal Brian Sanchez-Corona sent a message to families the day of Hamil's termination.

"Although I cannot discuss employee matters, please be assured I take all allegations very seriously, and we will work closely with investigators," he said. "Law enforcement may be reaching out to families in order to obtain statements from students."

According to an affidavit for an arrest warrant, Hamil was stopped and interviewed by a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer July 9, after he disembarked a cruise at the Port of Miami.

Hamil admitted to the officer he had purchased "child sex abuse material via the dark web." 

He also admitted to taking pictures of children with his cell phone while on the cruise, as well as taking similar pictures of children in his care at the Roper YMCA.

No criminal charges were filed against Hamil at this time, and he was released. 

Hamil was interviewed by the officer again who traveled to Water Spring Middle Aug. 25, where he stated he had never taken any pictures of students at the school. 

However, a search of his phone Aug. 28, revealed two photos of a juvenile female. 

Hamil was arrested by Orange County deputies and faces two counts of possessing obscene material. He has been issued a $2,000 bond.

The YMCA also terminated Hamil in August. YMCA of Central Florida Chief Mission and Brand Advancement Officer Daniel Saginario said FDLE officials said no victims have been identified from the Y.

“At the YMCA of Central Florida, there is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of all in our care,” YMCA officials said in a prepared statement. “We are saddened to learn of the arrest involving a former Water Spring Middle School teacher who is also a former part-time Y employee.

“The individual in question no longer works for the Y and is restricted from all access to Y programs and locations,” YMCA officials said. “We will cooperate fully with authorities during their investigation. As a cause-driven community builder serving Central Florida families for over 135 years, the YMCA remains steadfast in our commitment to provide a healthy and safe environment.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, Hamil was employed with OCPS since November 2021. He was hired as a part-time tutor and later became a language arts teacher in January. The profile states Hamil worked in various capacities in the YMCA’s summer camp programs since May 2021. He is a 2019 graduate of West Orange High School.