BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY — A Columbus North High School teacher has been fired after he was arrested in Jennings County on allegations he tried to meet a decoy posing as a 14-year-old boy for sex, officials say.
Investigators discovered John Johnson, 52, had been having "inappropriate communications" and arranged to meet the decoy last Wednesday, the Jennings County Sheriff's Office alleges.
It was then Johnson encountered police and was placed under arrest.
Prior to his termination, Johnson was the auditorium director and drama club coach at Columbus North High School, according to a statement from the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation.
Johnson faces a single count of child solicitation, a level 4 felony.
A court detailing the exchange between Johnson and the decoy shows that Johnson told him he "look(s) older than 14" and that "age doesn't bother (him) at all."
Johnson also told the decoy he had sex with someone 4 years old before and asked the decoy if he "had much (sexual) experience".
A statement from BCSC reads, "The event from which these charges stem did not involve any students at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, and at this time, administrators have not received any report of misconduct involving our students. We will continue to investigate and fully cooperate with law enforcement."
It continues, "Student safety is our priority at BCSC and policies concerning employee conduct are strictly enforced. Support will be made available for students and staff impacted by this news through our school counselors and mental health partners.”
A spokesperson tells WRTV Johnson was employed by the district dating as far back as 1995.
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Cece Winans bring Christmas Tour to Fishers
The Fishers Event Center announced on Friday that Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Cece Winans are making a stop in Fishers for their Christmas Together Tour.
Chinese manufacturers are enticing Americans to buy from them amid the trade war
Chinese manufacturers urge shoppers to "cut out the middleman"— meaning e-commerce sites like Temu and Amazon — and "buy direct" from their warehouses. But experts warn it's not that simple.
More than 1,000 international students have had visas or legal status revoked
More than 1,000 international students at 128 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since mid-March.
Indiana Lawmakers face challenge as revenue forecast predicts budget shortfall
Indiana lawmakers have about a week left to pass a balanced budget, a task made more difficult by a revenue report projecting a shortfall of over $2 billion over the next two years.
