Wisconsin school superintendent arrested on child pornography charges in Kenosha County
Thomas Johnson, superintendent of Union Grove Union High School, was arrested Wednesday in an alleged child sexual abuse material case. Sheriff's detectives executed a search warrant at his Kenosha County home before 6 a.m.
Union Grove school chief taken into custody in child pornography investigation
Thomas Johnson, the District Administrator of Union Grove Union High School in Wisconsin, was arrested Wednesday morning on suspicion of possessing child pornography, abc7chicago.com reports.
Detectives from the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant just before 5:45 a.m. at a property on the 37000-block of 52nd Street in Kenosha County. The 51-year-old was taken into custody during the operation. Investigators seized several electronic devices from the premises.
The case was originally referred to the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office by the Racine County Sheriff's Office on 27 October. Detectives have since asked the district attorney's office to approve charges of possession of child sexual abuse material.
Sheriff David Zoerner issued a statement following the arrest: "The protection of children is one of the most serious responsibilities of law enforcement. Allegations involving the sexual exploitation of children demand a thorough, deliberate, and impartial investigation. Our detectives will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads, and we will work closely with the District Attorney's Office to ensure this matter is addressed through the appropriate legal process. Anyone who exploits children must be held accountable under the law."
Union Grove Union High School notified families in a written letter, confirming Johnson's identity and the district's response. "We are deeply troubled by the serious allegations associated with this arrest and recognise the concern this news has caused throughout our school community," the letter read.
The district stated it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and noted that, as an active investigation involving a personnel matter, it is unable to provide further details at this time. Principal Tom Blair has been appointed acting District Administrator effective immediately, taking over leadership and oversight of district operations.
The school's letter encouraged anyone with information related to the case, or concerns about potential misconduct involving a child, to contact the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office directly.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)