An Arizona high school principal has been charged with using a social media app to send sexual messages to an undercover officer posing as a 12-year-old girl.
Buckeye Union High School Principal Joe Kinney, 42, was arrested after he was allegedly caught sending vile text messages to an officer under an alias in Oregon on an app called Whisper.
The website describes itself as “an anonymous social media app that allows users to make posts, also known as whispers, on the app and exchange messages with other users.”
Court documents state the defendant allegedly told the “victim” she should “get comfortable in his bed and take off her clothes.”
When the officer told him they were only 12, Kinney allegedly said, “I don’t care how old you are.”
Joe Kinney, 42, principal of Buckeye Union High School, was arrested after he was allegedly caught sending vile text messages to an officer under an alias in Oregon on Whisper.
Officials also stated in the report that the disgraced principal continued to text the “victim” after learning her age.
At one point, he allegedly told the girl that “he would love to come rescue her and that they would have a good time,” police said.
The documents also accuse Kinney of asking the teen for nude photos, which she never received.
The conversation finally came to an end when the “victim” disappeared after asking the director about his job.
The FBI subsequently served a search warrant on Kinney’s home in Goodyear and that same day, the vile man was arrested during a traffic stop.
Buckeye Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Steve Bebee later said the principal was placed on leave after the investigation began.
In an interview with police, Kinney admitted that he liked Whisper because “it seemed like a fantasy and it was anonymous,” according to the AZ Family.
Official reports further state that the accused admitted to having spoken to several underage girls on Whisper, but he never thought any of them were underage, instead thinking they were “adults engaging in fantasy chats and role-playing games.”
In addition to this interaction, Kinney also reportedly told authorities that he interacted with a nine-year-old girl, but because her photo did not appear age-appropriate, he assumed she was an adult.
The disgusting man had also spoken to another 12-year-old boy on the app.
Following this revelation, former FBI agent James Egelston warned parents to be careful with their children’s online activities.
‘This is another sad reminder of how important it is for parents to be aware of what websites their children visit.
“Unfortunately, there are many cases where people who have a special interest in children try to get into a position, either through their professional employment or secondary interests, that allows them to have access to children. People should also be aware of that,” she said.
Following this revelation, former FBI agent James Egelston warned parents to be careful with their children’s online activities.
Kinney has so far been charged with one count of luring a minor for sexual exploitation and has been held on $60,000 bail.
If he manages to pay his way out of jail, he will be subject to electronic monitoring and will be prohibited from having any contact with any minor without exceptions.
Buckeye Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Steve Bebee later said the principal was placed on leave after the investigation began.
‘The Buckeye Union High School District has been informed that BUHS Principal Mr. Joe Kinney is under police investigation for a personal matter unrelated to his work with the school or district.
In accordance with 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 of Buckeye Union High School, the school said in a statement. Press release.
