Utah Charter School Director Arrested for Child Sexual Exploitation

Jared Dallan Buckley, the lead director of Leadership Learning Academy—a K-6 charter school with campuses in Layton and Ogden, Utah—was arrested on charges of aggravated sexual exploitation and sexual exploitation of minors after law enforcement traced an online account distributing child sexual abuse material to his cellphone. Authorities in New York initially uncovered the account last fall and contacted Utah police when they believed the suspect was operating from Utah. Following a search warrant, Buckley's phone was seized and found to contain multiple files depicting child sexual abuse. Investigators also allege Buckley may have been involved in the production of such material involving children outside the United States. Buckley, who also has ties to local youth sports organizations, has been held without bail. The arrest has raised serious concerns given his longstanding role in education and youth activities.