Lodi teacher charged with possession of child pornography

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A teacher in Lodi was arrested Friday for alleged possession of child pornography, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office said.

The Columbia Co. Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force searched a home in Lodi on Friday after a tip was sent to the agency through the state Department of Justice.

Officers arrested Dakota Mellen on 20 suspected charges of possession of child pornography. The 28-year-old was a teacher in the Lodi Area School District and the Baraboo Area School District.

The Baraboo Area School District confirmed that Mellen is not currently a music teacher at East Elementary.

Columbia Co. officials said the Lodi School District is cooperating with the investigation.

Lodi School District Assistant District Administrator Breunig said in a letter to families and staff that the employee arrested was an elementary school and OSC employee. Breunig also said police do not believe the charges involve students or activities on school grounds.

“Until further information is available, the individual in question will not return to school and will not enter school grounds,” Breunig said.

Breunig added that the district's focus is student well-being and any student who feels they need support is encouraged to speak with a school counselor. The district also urged anyone who believes they have information about the investigation to contact Lodi police at (608) 592-5401.

Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert Weather app.

Copyright 2024 WMTV. All rights reserved.