Washington ( CNN ) -- A suspected child predator who was a `` most-wanted '' fugitive when captured in Nicaragua appeared in federal court on Tuesday where he confirmed his identity and was ordered held . Eric Toth , 31 , a former private school teacher and camp counselor , entered no plea to charges of possession and production of child pornography . U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Kay said that Toth could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the counts that were included in a 2008 Maryland indictment . Wearing a navy rain jacket , the bearded Toth confirmed his identity but made no other comments . He was represented by a federal public defender , Michelle Peterson . A preliminary hearing was set for May 23 . He will remain in custody pending that proceeding . FBI Assistant Director Valerie Parlave said investigators looking for Toth for five years received a `` high quality '' tip on April 18 and were able to take him into custody on Saturday in the small Nicaraguan community of Esteli . Parlave said Toth had been living under an alias . She credited Nicaraguan officials as well as U.S. law enforcement agencies for helping in the investigation . The investigation of Toth began in June 2008 after pornographic images were found on a school camera that had been in his possession , authorities alleged . They said they have identified at least one child victim in Maryland . Toth was placed on the FBI 's `` Ten Most Wanted '' fugitives list last April . Nicaraguan authorities said Toth first entered the Central American country on October 12 , 2012 , using a false identity . The director of Nicaragua 's National Police described him as an expert at violating computer security systems . `` That allowed him to falsify American passports , a driver 's license and credit cards from three American banks , '' Director General Aminta Granera said . Masked police presented a handcuffed Toth before reporters in Managua on Monday . As he was escorted away in a patrol car , Toth told reporters that `` the police have been very professional . '' Journalist Samantha Lugo contributed to this report from Managua , Nicaragua .
Eric Toth is a suspected sexual predator who was captured in Nicaragua , officials said . He is a former school teacher and guidance counselor whom police sought for five years . Toth was placed on the FBI 's ` ` ' Most Wanted '' fugitives list last April . NEW : Suspect entered no contest to child pornography - related charges and was ordered held .