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Former school employee arrested Wednesday is accused of sex crimes involving children

Around 5:30 p.m. yesterday/Wednesday, a man employed by a local school corporation was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail on preliminary charges of felony possession of child pornography and child exploitation. He has since posted bond and been released from jail. According to the school’s superintendent, the man is no longer employed by the school.

Ethan Samuel Hoffeditz

Ethan Samuel Hoffeditz, 26, Lyons, was arrested on new preliminary charges of possession of child pornography, a Level 5 felony, and child exploitation, a Level 4 felony. He was booked into the Greene County Jail at 5:33 p.m. with bond set at $25,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed. He posted $2,500 and was released the same day as his arrest.

Hoffeditz was known to be an employee of the White River Valley School District (WRV).

WRV Superintendent Robert Hacker confirmed the school had been made aware of the situation on Wednesday and early Thursday morning, Hacker responded to a request for information by issuing a statement.

“On the evening of February 2, 2022, White River Valley School District was made aware of allegations and criminal charges against a non-certified employee of the school district,” said Hacker.

“There is no higher priority of the school district than the safety and well-being of its students. Accordingly, the individual in question no longer is employed by the district and has no access to the school district’s students or facilities. 

“Because this matter remains under investigation, WRV is unable to comment further on the specific allegations at this time.”

The arrest was made by Detective Kevin Frank of the Bloomington Police Department. Although Hoffeditz was booked in on two felony counts, these charges are considered “preliminary” and they could possibly change. After information from the incident or investigation is forwarded to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, the charging decision will be made by the Greene County Prosecutor.  

Additional information regarding this arrest is not yet available.