School janitor charged after students confess he asked for sexual photos

HIGGINSVILLE, Mo. (KCTV) - A school janitor in Missouri now faces multiple charges after he attempted to solicit sexual videos and photographs from multiple teenage students.

Lafayette County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Tuesday, March 18, indicate that James A. Looney, 42, of Higginsville, has been charged with possession of child pornography, sexual with a student, tampering with evidence and two counts of sexual misconduct.

A probable cause statement filed by the Higginsville Police Department revealed that during a March 4 meeting, a School Resource Officer at Lafayette County C-1 Middle and High Schools was made aware of an incident between a janitor, identified as Looney, and a 13-year-old student.

The teenager reported that Looney attempted to pull her aside on multiple occasions and request her social media information. When she refused, he forced his own on her.

During the investigation, law enforcement officials said they learned Looney had victimized a second 16-year-old student. It was found there was a sexual interaction between the two.

Investigators noted that a third 15-year-old victim was later found. She told law enforcement officials Looney had added her on Facebook and requested videos of a sexual nature.

Law enforcement officials indicated that during an interview, Looney itted to everything. He also said he planned to flee to North Carolina with his income tax return and start a new life.

As a result, Looney was charged and could face up to 23 years and 7 months behind bars. As of Wednesday, March 19, he remains behind bars with no bond listed. A court appearance has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on March 27.

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