A former Parkland School District’s chorus and arts director has been charged with nine counts of invasion of privacy — viewing, photographing a person without consent, a misdemeanor in the second degree, for allegedly secretly recording a student.

According to an affidavit of probable cause obtained Oct. 15 from Magisterial District Judge Jacob Hammond’s office, South Whitehall, Detective Gregg Dietz with the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office in the Special Victim’s Unit, states on April 4 he began an investigation into a complaint made by a teacher at Parkland High School, regarding a student allegation against another staff member in the district.

Deitz states during the investigation it was determined that Francis Anonia, 43, an administrator, as well as an active member of the school’s musical and art department, was alleged to have had inappropriate contact with a juvenile male member of the school’s 2022 musical.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, this student brought forward these allegations to a teacher who filed a ChildLine Referral.

As the investigation into this incident continued, Dietz learned Anonia was involved in another unrelated investigation along with his fiance, William Marshall, who he resided with at the time.

According to Dietz, on Feb. 23, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Anonia’s residence on N. Berks St., Allentown.

During the search, a cellphone, identified as belonging to Anonia was seized and held for investigatory purposes in the Allentown Police investigation.

According to the affidavit, a forensic analysis was not fully completed on Anonia’s cellphone.

Anonia was allegedly in possession of this cellphone when the alleged incidents that were being investigated were taking place.

The affidavit further states Dietz obtained Anonia’s cellphone that was in the custody of the Allentown Police Department on May 14 and, on June 4 a search warrant was obtained to access and analyze the cellphone, which was taken to the Petzold Digital Forensic Lab for examination.

A complete forensic analysis of digital evidence on the phone was extracted.

Dietz states in the extraction, it was discovered five separate video files Anonia saved were taken from his cellphone that he recorded hiding on a shelf in the Parkland High School Auditorium boys’ changing room.

According to Dietz, it was determined the video recordings, which all recorded audio as well, were of a known student who did not give consent to the recording that were taken during the play “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Also extracted from files Anonia downloaded and saved from the specific videos were screen shots of the student in different stages of undress, including his underwear, Dietz further states in the affidavit.

According to Lehigh County Criminal Court records, Anonia is also charged with five counts of intercept communications and five counts of criminal use of communication facility, both felonies of the third degree.

As of Oct. 14, Anonia is awaiting a preliminary hearing, court records state.

Dr. Mark J. Madson, superintendent of the Parkland School District, issued the following statement to the Parkland School Community:

“I am writing to you regarding the article that was published by the Morning Call this evening concerning charges that have been filed against former Chorus teacher and Director of Visual and Performing Arts, Frank Anonia.

“The Parkland School District’s foremost priority is the health, safety, and welfare of our students and staff.

“On April 4, 2024, upon receiving information about allegations concerning Mr. Anonia, Parkland School District took immediate action.

The District:

1. Initiated an internal investigation.

2. Placed Mr. Anonia on an administrative leave, effectively removing him from the school community.

3. Notified all mandated agencies.

4. Accepted his resignation on June 18, 2024.

“These swift measures align with our protocol when alleged misconduct by staff or students comes to our attention, ensuring that appropriate investigations and safeguards are promptly implemented.

“Today’s announcement is obviously distressing to our school community. The allegations listed in the Morning Call article are disturbing and inexcusable.

“Our students’ physical and emotional safety will continue to be the first priority of the Parkland School District and we remain committed to transparency and cooperating with the legal authorities as it relates to this matter.

“The district may not be able to disclose additional information to protect the privacy rights of all involved and to maintain the integrity of the investigation.If you have any information related to these charges, please contact the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office.

“Should your student wish to speak with one of our counselors in the coming days, our team will be on hand to assist students at Parkland High School.”