Children’s World Montessori School employee Craig A. Johnson pleaded not guilty to three charges, remains in custody

Ashland.news staff report

Authorities are asking for information regarding potential additional victims after an alleged case of child exploitation occurred at Children’s World Montessori School in Ashland, according to a news release from the Ashland Police Department issued Thursday.

Craig Albert Johnson, 68, of Ashland, was arrested on July 30 and booked into Jackson County Jail on charges of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree, and invasion of personal privacy in the first degree. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges on Aug. 2, court records show. Johnson was still in jail Thursday with bail set at $250,000, according to jail records.

The case came to the attention of authorities on July 19 when a report of potential sexual exploitation of a 5-year-old child was made to Central Point police, according to Ashland police. Investigation turned up additional instances of child exploitation at the school and Ashland police were brought into the investigation, the release said.

All children allegedly victimized by Johnson are female. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact Det. Lacie Six of the Ashland Police Department at 541-482-5211. Reports can also be made via the anonymous tip line at 541-552-2333 or by email to tipline@ashland.or.us.

Aside from the current three charges, Johnson had no prior criminal record in Oregon, according to a court record check Thursday.

Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses. Aside from the Ashland and Central Point police departments, the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office are also working on the investigation.

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