Walton Educator Admits to Inappropriate Student Contact

A former Walton High School math teacher faces sentencing this fall after pleading guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from inappropriate social media communications with his students.

Eric Scofield, 41, of Walton, New York, appeared before Acting Delaware County Court Judge Getman on July 16, 2026, where he admitted under oath to three felony counts of tampering with physical evidence, five misdemeanor counts of official misconduct, and one misdemeanor count of criminal contempt.

High School Teacher Admits to Inappropriate Student Communications

During his court appearance, Scofield admitted under oath that he used Snapchat to engage in unauthorized conversations with five of his high school students. He acknowledged that the messages were unrelated to schoolwork, went beyond his official duties as a high school teacher at Walton Central School, and were sent to obtain personal sexual gratification.

An investigation conducted jointly by the Village of Walton Police Department and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Scofield had been sending inappropriate and sexually provocative messages and photographs to students between October 2024 and February 10, 2026.

Evidence Tampering and Protection Order Violation Charges

In addition to the official misconduct counts, Scofield pleaded guilty to three Class E felony counts of tampering with physical evidence. He admitted under oath that he concealed or destroyed saved messages and images on Snapchat in an effort to prevent law enforcement from using them as evidence in a court proceeding.

Scofield also admitted to a Class A misdemeanor charge of criminal contempt. Despite being aware of a full stay-away order of protection prohibiting him from going to the victims' school, Scofield intentionally violated the court order by going onto school property on June 10, 2026.

District Attorney Addresses Case and September Sentencing Date

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith publicly recognized the Village of Walton Police Department and the organization Safe Against Violence for their work during the investigation and subsequent prosecution.

Smith emphasized that while most public school teachers work hard and dedicate their lives to helping children grow, Scofield abused his authority as an educator and violated the trust of local families and students.

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Following the entry of the guilty pleas, the case was adjourned for official sentencing, which is scheduled to take place in Delaware County Court on September 11, 2026.

Editor's Note: If there has been a change to this information, such as charges being dropped or dismissed, please email to make the necessary change.