Crime & Safety
Wisconsin School Superintendent Arrested in Child Pornography Case
Kenosha County, WI – A Wisconsin high school superintendent was taken into custody Wednesday morning following an investigation into alleged child sexual abuse material, prompting a search warrant ope
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-11-04T17:31:48.277Z
Kenosha County, WI – A Wisconsin high school superintendent was taken into custody Wednesday morning following an investigation into alleged child sexual abuse material, prompting a search warrant operation and the seizure of multiple electronic devices.
According to the Kenosha County Sheriff 's Office, 51 year old Thomas W. Johnson, superintendent of Union Grove High School in neighboring Racine County, was arrested Wednesday, Nov. 4, as part of an ongoing investigation involving suspected possession of child sexual abuse material.
Detectives executed a search warrant at approximately 5:42 a.m. at a residence in the 37000 block of 52nd Street in Kenosha County.
Authorities said the investigation was initially referred to the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office by the Racine County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 27.
During Wednesday's search, investigators seized several electronic devices believed to be relevant to the case.
The sheriff's office has submitted two proposed counts of possession of child pornography to the Kenosha County District Attorney's Office for charging consideration.
Johnson was booked into the Kenosha County Jail Wednesday morning.
Sheriff David Zoerner emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of a thorough investigation.
"The protection of children is one of the most serious responsibilities of law enforcement," Zoerner said in a statement.
He added that detectives would continue following the evidence and coordinating with prosecutors to ensure the matter receives appropriate legal review.
Union Grove High School serves students in southeastern Wisconsin, within the greater Milwaukee metropolitan region.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the allegations involve any students associated with the school.
The sheriff's office also has not announced whether prosecutors have formally filed criminal charges.
The investigation remains active, and officials said no additional information would be released at this time.
Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.