John Johnson
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. released a statement this morning saying the school corporation has been made aware of the charges filed on Wednesday in Jennings County against John Johnson and has terminated his employment at Columbus North High School.
Johnson was immediately terminated upon BCSC learning of these allegations of misconduct, according to the statement.
Johnson was an hourly employee at Columbus North High School, where his responsibilities included auditorium director and Drama Club coach, BCSC officials said. BCSC records indicate Johnson is not a certified teacher within the school corporation.
The event from which these charges stem did not involve any students at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., and at this time, administrators have not received any report of misconduct involving our students, according to the statement. We will continue to investigate and fully cooperate with law enforcement, BCSC officials said.
The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office arrested Johnson on Wednesday on charges of Level 4 felony child solicitation and Level 6 felony disseminating harmful material to a minor.
Sheriff deputies said they received information on Wednesday that Johnson, 52, Columbus, had been having inappropriate communications with a 14-year-old male.
During that conversation, Johnson arranged to meet with the juvenile for the purpose of having a sexual relationship, deputies said.
Johnson arrived at the predetermined meeting location at approximately 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. At that time, officers from the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office and the North Vernon Police Department arrived on scene. Johnson was taken into custody without incident and interviewed regarding the communication, deputies said.
Johnson has since bonded out of the Jennings County Jail after posting $2,555 bond, according to jail records.
The BCSC statement reads, “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.’
For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.
