Case Against Buckeye Principal Denied by Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has declined to take on the case against Joe Kinney, a Buckeye principal accused of enticing a minor. Despite this decision, the Buckeye Union High School District Governing Board voted to terminate Kinney’s employment on Monday night.
Kinney was placed on administrative leave in September after allegations surfaced regarding sexually explicit messages exchanged online with an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover officer. Documents revealed that Kinney solicited nude photos and made inappropriate requests during these conversations.
While Kinney claimed the conversations were a form of role-playing and denied any attraction to minors, the evidence prompted his arrest. However, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office chose not to proceed with charges, citing a lack of reasonable likelihood of conviction.
According to the office, the crime of luring requires proof that the suspect knew or should have known they were communicating with a minor. In this case, as the communication was with an undercover officer posing as a minor, there was insufficient evidence to prove Kinney’s intent to engage in illegal activities.
This is an ongoing story, and 12News is working to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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