Dubuque High School Staffer Suspended Amid Disturbing Child Exploitation Probe

The Dubuque Police Department has launched an investigation into a suspected case of child sexual exploitation involving a staff member from Dubuque Hempstead High School, authorities confirmed Thursday.

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The investigation began back on April 2, when the department received a tip from the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. That tip was based on a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which indicated that possible Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) had been discovered and linked to a local suspect.

As police begin to look deeper, they confirmed that the individual in question is a resident of Dubuque County and employed by the Dubuque Community School District. The district was notified promptly, and the suspect was placed on administrative leave. Their identity has not yet been released, and no charges have been formally announced.

In a statement from the Dubuque Community School District provided to Townsquare Media Dubuque, officials said they were first notified by police in mid-May and immediately placed the staff member on leave that same day, following established district protocols. The district says it is fully cooperating with the police investigation and is also conducting its own internal review as appropriate.

The district further stated that the allegations, specifically the possession of inappropriate, computer-generated images of students created outside of school, are deeply disturbing and shocking. Officials added that they are working alongside police to contact affected students and families, and are committed to providing those individuals with support throughout the process.

See the full release from the Dubuque Community School District below:

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.

-Michael Cyze, Chief Communication Officer

Dubuque Community School District

What’s especially troubling about this case is the nature of the material involved. Investigators say the CSAM includes computer-generated images of students. Police are currently reaching out to students and their families who may have been affected. This process will continue as more information becomes available through the task force.

In a statement, the department said it would not be releasing further details at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of those involved. However, they assure the public that updates will be provided once the investigation concludes.

The Dubuque Police Department has been part of the Iowa ICAC Task Force since 2010. The task force operates under the Iowa Department of Public Safety and works with local law enforcement to combat internet crimes against children across the state of Iowa.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Lt. Ted McClimon at (563) 548-4439. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the police department’s website at www.cityofdubuque.org/police.