Beech Tree News Network

The theft of approximately $400 from Butler County Middle School on Monday, March 25th, was apparently the cause of that student running from school on Tuesday.  The money was taken from inside a teacher's desk.  After the money was reported stolen on Monday, an internal investigation at the school was allowing school officials to narrow their focus to a particular student. 

According to Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward, on Tuesday while students were being questioned about the incident, an eighth grade male student sent a text message to two individuals asking them to pick him up at the middle school.

The adults, Bryan Glen Johnson and Jillian Johnson of Morgantown, came to the middle school shortly after 12 p.m. and attempted to check the student out of school.  Jillian Johnson told school officials she was the student's sister.  Following all school safety procedures and safety protocols, officials called the student's father since the sister's name was not listed on the pick-up card.  If the sister's name had been on the card, school officials would have then asked for identification.  The student's father told officials not to release the student.  BCMS Principal Robert Tuck met Johnson at the door and informed her that she would not be permitted to pick-up the student.   Ms. Johnson then left the building. 

The student was apparently communicating via text message with the Johnsons at about this same time in order to arrange an alternative pick-up.  Meanwhile, Mr. Tuck was making his way to the 8th grade hall to verify the student's whereabouts.  It was at this time and shortly after a class change that the student bolted out a side door to meet and leave with the Johnsons. 

School officials immediately notified the parents and law enforcement, as well as pulling up all relevant videotape of the exits and halls.  Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward viewed videotape footage of the incident, enabling him to make positive identification of the vehicle and the Johnsons.  Mr. Tuck also confirmed the vehicle identification.  Following a brief investigation, Sheriff Ward was able to locate the Johnsons and the student in Ohio County. 

The student was picked up by his mother in Ohio County.  Beaver Dam Police Chief Mike Allen worked closely with local law enforcement in apprehending the suspects.  The Johnsons were arrested and charged with custodial interference.  They are lodged in the Butler County Jail. According to Ward, the student admitted to taking some of the money.  The investigation is ongoing.

Although incidents like these are not something administrators are expecting to deal with on any given day, Mr. Tuck said he was proud of how school officials responded.

"Our staff and office workers responded quickly, professionally, and effectively in dealing with this situation," said Tuck.  "Likewise, all proper school safety procedures were followed precisely, which we believe helped contribute to the quick apprehension of those involved.  The warning system on our doors and cameras also played an important role."