Arrested Ashland School Worker Faces Child Exploitation Charges

UPDATE 2: Ashland School Worker, Craig Albert Johnson, Facing Additional Child Exploitation-Related Charges

UPDATE: Craig Albert Johnson pre-trial hearing will be held at the Jackson County Courthouse and is set for Monday, November 18th at 9 a.m. 


ASHLAND, Ore —The Central Point Police Department (CPPD) released the details of their arrest of an Ashland man who worked at a local school. CPPD indicated that the arrest relates to child exploitation.

Ashland School Employee Arrested

A report of potential sexual exploitation of a 5-year-old child was received by CPPD on July 19, 2024. Following an investigation, Ashland’s Craig Albert Johnson, 68 years old, who was formerly employed at the Children’s World Montessori School in Ashland, was arrested.

CPPD noted that additional instances of child exploitation had occurred at the Ashland and brought the Ashland Police Department into the investigation. According to the police, multiple victims have been identified. To date, all children established to have been victimized are female and detectives are working on identifying potential additional victims.

The Ashland Police Department (APD) confirmed that the school is cooperating with the investigation. A combined statement issued by APD and CPPD indicated that they understand the impact the incident has on the community. They are actively working to investigate the matter.

ADD also confirmed in a news release that Johnson was arrested and lodged at the Jackson County Jail on July 30  on charges of:

  • Invasion of Personal Privacy in the First Degree
  • Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree
  • Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct

Additional criminal charges may be added if appropriate as the investigation continues.

Johnson was still in custody at the time of the release and police ask that anyone with information relating to this investigation please reach out to Detective Lacie Six at the Ashland Police Department.

Daily Tidings is independent and free to read, thanks to readers like you. Help keep it going.

Support us

Morning Brief

Sign up today for our daily newsletter, a quick overview of top local stories and Oregon breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published.

Be the first to comment.

Latest News

All news
  1. Oregon Backs Court Fight Over VA Rule That Ended Abortion Care for Veterans and Their FamiliesHealth
  2. PGE Customers Across Northwest Oregon Can Comment Tonight on Proposed Rate IncreaseBusiness & Economy
  3. Oregon’s Wyden Plans to Subpoena Big Banks Over Epstein Ties When He Takes Over Senate FinancePolitics & Government
  4. Eugene Renters Could Get First Chance to Buy Their Homes Under Plan Council Discusses TonightPolitics & Government
  5. Oregon College Athlete Sues Police Who Shot Him After He Escaped Being Held HostageCrime & Courts
  6. Copper Thieves May Be Behind Hours-Long 911 Outage in Eugene and SpringfieldPublic Safety

Read More