RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A man, labeled as a temporary guest of the Benedictine monastic community, was arrested on internet child pornography charges, the schools announced on Wednesday.
Deputies with Goochland County’s Sheriff Office say they worked with Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office in executing a search warrant at Benedictine Abbey. Two cell phones and a laptop were recovered.
Rinku Costa, an occasional substitute teacher from October 2020 through December 2020, was charged with one felony count of possession of child pornography and nine felony counts of second or subsequent offense possession of child pornography.
Costa, who deputies say was a postulant with Benedictine Abbey, passed their prior background check, the school added.
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the allegations brought against Mr. Costa. Our
first priority is to determine if any of our students and families have been impacted; however,
we have been informed by authorities that there does not appear to be any impropriety
involving any individuals,” said Jesse Grapes, president of the Benedictine Schools of
Richmond.
Costa, who was set to return to Bangladesh once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, will no longer be allowed on campus. He is being held on a $15,000 bond at Henrico County Jail.
Benedictine Abbey and Benedictine Schools of Richmond say they are fully cooperating with law enforcement.
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