WISCONSIN — A former Wisconsin school official has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges after he exchanged emails with a 15-year-old.
On Sept. 15, David A. Hay pleaded guilty to child pornography that occurred while he was working as a principal in Wisconsin.
Hay worked as the principal of Kettle Moraine High School from 2008 until 2011. During that time, Hay exchanged emails with a 15-year-old. During their communication, Hay received sexually-explicit photos and videos from the teen, and Hay sent some himself.
Hay resigned from Kettle Moraine in 2011 after the district discovered irregularities with Hay’s licensing and the misuse of a district credit card.
He then went on to work as the principal of Tomah High School from 2011 until 2014. Most recently, Hay served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the New York City Chancellor of Schools.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Hay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison but could serve up to 20. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18.
In a letter sent to parents, Kettle Moraine Superintendent Patricia F. Deklotz said she was "sickened" by new developments in the case.
"The news was extremely disturbing," Deklotz said in the letter. "As we stated previously, the district had no knowledge of any concerns that are of the nature of the investigation leading to the arrest of Mr. Hay. These new developments are deeply disturbing. I am angry and sickened with the new details released today."
The Neenah Police Department investigated the incident with assistance from the Milwaukee Police Department and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
