Union Grove administrator charged with child pornography possession
Thomas Johnson faces two counts after an anonymous letter triggered a police search of his phone.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Union Grove School District administrator Thomas Johnson faces two charges of child pornography possession following a criminal complaint filed by Kenosha County authorities. The charges stem from an investigation that began in late October after a letter was sent to Johnson and the school district leadership.
According to search warrants, an anonymous author sent the letter on Oct. 21. The writer claimed to have found inappropriate messages and photos on Johnson's phone involving current or past students. The letter also stated that the author had been involved in a romantic relationship with Johnson for several years. The author warned that Johnson would fire them if the contents of the phone were disclosed.
Police interviewed Johnson on Oct. 23 and Oct. 26. During these conversations, he admitted to a six-year affair with a teacher at Union Grove Elementary School. He stated he did not know who authored the letter. Investigators later spoke with the woman with whom Johnson said he had been involved. She indicated she did not write the letter and was unaware of his personal life or drinking habits, despite the letter describing him as a heavy drinker and detailing marital issues.
The investigative documents noted that the officer believed the woman may have written the letter and characterized her as not being forthcoming. However, police did not specify whether the child pornography images found on the phone depicted students.
Tom Blair, the principal of Union Grove School, has assumed the role of acting school administrator. Johnson is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 12 for his preliminary hearing. The criminal complaint and search warrants provide the basis for the charges, which rely on information gathered by the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office and statements from school district leadership.
The investigation was initiated after the anonymous letter reached Johnson's wife and district leaders. The letter served as the catalyst for the police action that led to the discovery of the images on Johnson's mobile device. No further charges have been announced beyond the two counts of child pornography possession.
