(Photo Credit: Jefferson County SO Facebook page)
A Woodlawn High School employee has been arrested following a month-long investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities announced Thursday that 40-year-old Matthew K. Smith of Mt. Vernon was arrested on one count of grooming and two counts of possession of child pornography.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began May 13 after a School Resource Officer assigned to Woodlawn High School received information that prompted an inquiry. Detectives later assumed the investigation, conducting multiple interviews, executing search warrants, gathering evidence, and performing forensic examinations of electronic devices.
Smith was taken into custody Thursday and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. He remains lodged pending a pretrial detention hearing.
Investigators say the case remains active and additional felony charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The arrest follows a notice sent to Woodlawn CUSD #209 families in May informing them that an employee was under investigation. At that time, district officials said the employee had been placed on administrative leave and that the school was fully cooperating with law enforcement while working to ensure a safe environment for students.