BUCKEYE, AZ — Buckeye Union High School principal Joe Kinney was arrested, and accused of attempting to lure a child online.
Joe Kinney is accused of using a social media app to communicate with an undercover officer who was posing as a 12-year-old girl.
Kinney allegedly exchanged photos with the "girl," who he thought was 12 years old, had explicit conversations, and said he would "love to come rescue her" from Oregon.
The FBI was able to track the messages to Kinney, and his phone was seized during a traffic stop.
Kinney allegedly admitted to talking to people who claimed to be children online but said that he just thought it was a "fantasy" and that he never intended to go through with any acts with children.
On Monday, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced the case against Kinney was turned down.
Kinney faces one count of luring a minor for sexual exploitation.
Last week, officials with the Buckeye Union High School District confirmed that Kinney was placed on administrative leave pending a law enforcement investigation.
BUHSD shared the following statement with ABC15:
“The Buckeye Union High School District has been informed that BUHS Principal Mr. Joe Kinney is under law enforcement investigation for a personal matter unrelated to his work with the school or district.
Per district policy, Mr. Kinney has been placed on administrative leave until further notice. In the interim, Ms. Kristin Koke will assume the duties of principal at Buckeye Union High School.
Because this is a personnel matter, we cannot share further details at this time. Our focus is on ensuring our students have access to an outstanding educational experience.”
