Former teacher sentenced on sex abuse, trafficking charges

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A former New Hampshire high school teacher who pleaded guilty to human trafficking and manufacturing child sex abuse images was sentenced to prison on Tuesday.

Joshua Harwood, 38, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to the charges last month.

Harwood had taught business at Concord High School, where he was hired in July 2020. He was accused of soliciting sexually explicit videos from a student for money and making and possessing child pornography. He was placed on administrative leave last year and was later arrested.

WMUR-TV reports the crimes involving a teenage boy took place in March 2019, before Harwood was hired at the school. Before imposing the sentence, Judge John Kissinger told Harwood that he supports the plea deal that includes a minimum of 3 1/2 years in state prison and a suspended sentence of 7 1/2 to 15 years.

Harwood didn’t speak at his sentencing, but the judge noted that he took responsibility for his actions. A court document showed that Harwood could get seven months off his minimum sentence if he completes a sex offender program.

The county attorney’s office said the victim supports the sentence and just wants to get on with his life.