Columbus North High School teacher arrested, fired after trying to meet teen for sex

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY — A Columbus North High School teacher has been fired after he was arrested in Jennings County on allegations he tried to meet a decoy posing as a 14-year-old boy for sex, officials say.

Investigators discovered John Johnson, 52, had been having "inappropriate communications" and arranged to meet the decoy last Wednesday, the Jennings County Sheriff's Office alleges.

It was then Johnson encountered police and was placed under arrest.

Prior to his termination, Johnson was the auditorium director and drama club coach at Columbus North High School, according to a statement from the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation.

Johnson faces a single count of child solicitation, a level 4 felony.

A court detailing the exchange between Johnson and the decoy shows that Johnson told him he "look(s) older than 14" and that "age doesn't bother (him) at all."

Johnson also told the decoy he had sex with someone 4 years old before and asked the decoy if he "had much (sexual) experience".

A statement from BCSC reads, "The event from which these charges stem did not involve any students at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, and at this time, administrators have not received any report of misconduct involving our students. We will continue to investigate and fully cooperate with law enforcement."

It continues, "Student safety is our priority at BCSC and policies concerning employee conduct are strictly enforced. Support will be made available for students and staff impacted by this news through our school counselors and mental health partners.”

A spokesperson tells WRTV Johnson was employed by the district dating as far back as 1995.