A COMPUTER expert from Barnet is being held in a Florida jail charged with sexually assaulting children.

Miles Esterson, 27, who worked at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, in Elstree, between August 2000 and March 2008, was arrested on July 29 in Ohio, Florida, along with a convicted sex offender, Jerry Wiley, 45.

It is alleged that Esterson, of Church Crescent, Barnet, and Wiley performed sex acts on three boys under the age of 12 over the past two years.

The children allege that the men took them on trips to Disney World and Sea World and then to hotel rooms.

Detectives also claim the men provided a hotel room for the father of one of the victims while the boys stayed in the room with Wiley and Esterson.

Arresting officer Detective Pamela Warren, of Lake County Sheriff’s Office, said: “We do not believe that the father was aware any criminal activity was taking place in relation to his child.”

One of the children told his mother, who alerted police.

Det Warren said: “At this stage Miles Esterson basically denies everything. He has admitted to funding the trips, paying for the hotel rooms and having children sleeping in bed with him. Nothing further than that at this stage.”

Each charge is a capital offence with a maximum life sentence.

Esterson was born in England and holds dual American/UK citizenship. His online profile states he worked as an IT projects manager at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, in Elstree, between August 2000 and March 2008 and is managing director of IT company Semiotic Systems Ltd.

Lake County Court clerk Danielle Biggs confirmed Esterson had been charged with three counts of sexual battery on victims under the age of 18.

The two men are being held without bail in Lake County Jail and both have refused to make a public statement.

Haberdashers’ school bursar David Thompson said: “The school is aware of the offences Miles Esterson is charged with in the US.

“He has not worked at the school since March 2008. The school can confirm no pupils were ever involved in any offence and no offence ever took place in the school.

“We will assist any with any enquiries regarding the matter.”

Wiley’s previous conviction for sex crimes date back to 1986. The convictions include a 20-year prision sentence.