Dubuque Police say an employee of Hempstead High School is under investigation for allegedly having child sexual abuse material, including computer-generated images of students.
Police say their investigation started in April when they received an alert from the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force who identified the materials traced to the suspect.
In mid-May, Dubuque Schools were contacted and the suspect was immediately placed on leave. Authorities say they are actively reaching out to students involved and their families. It was determined the computer generated images of students possessed by the suspect were created outside of school.
No other information regarding the investigation is being released at this time.
Dubuque Schools released a statement saying they are in full cooperation with the investigation and are conducting their own investigation and are committed to fully and completely supporting those involved in the situation with deep compassion and care.
Complete statement from Dubuque Schools:
In mid-May, the Dubuque Police Department notified the Dubuque Community School District of a serious investigation they were initiating involving a staff member at Hempstead High School.
The same day as the notification, the district immediately placed the staff member involved on leave following established protocol and the district is continuing to fully cooperate with the ongoing police investigation, and as appropriate, conducting its own investigation.
As part of the police investigation, it was discovered that among the material allegedly possessed by the individual was inappropriate computer-generated images of students created outside of school. This is a devastating and highly disturbing allegation that is undoubtedly shocking.
The Dubuque Police Department is in the process of identifying and meeting with students and families involved. Following notification from police, the district is also meeting with those involved and we are deeply committed to working with and providing support to these students and families.
We recognize that in instances like this, people seek additional information – and it can be difficult when that information can’t be shared. It is our understanding from police that this is a complex, multifaceted investigation.
In order to both ensure the integrity of the investigation and to meet our legal obligations to both student and staff privacy, the district is very limited in the information it is legally able to share at this time. In collaboration with the Dubuque Police Department, we are committed to sharing additional details when it is possible and appropriate to do so.
While the investigation continues, it is important for the district to be extremely clear right now about one thing – we are unequivocally committed to fully and completely supporting those involved in this situation with deep compassion and care.
The district firmly stands against the actions being alleged and we support the work of the Dubuque Police Department to ensure that justice is appropriately served based on the results of the investigation. Actions like those alleged have no place in our schools or community.
