JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) - Police say a Kansas teacher who was the subject of a child pornography investigation has taken his own life.
According to Olathe East High School's website, John Derby taught metals, jewelry and ceramics at the Johnson County school.
He had been with the school district for nearly a year. Previously, Derby was an associate professor of visual arts at the University of Kansas.
Police say the 46-year-old Derby was recently the subject of a child porn investigation.
"It's a terrible, terrible accusation to be facing," said Cutter Genenbacher.
Genenbacher calls the allegations against his neighbor "a big shock." He lives just doors away from where John Derby lived.
Genenbacher said Thursday morning he saw police at Derby's home. Armed with a warrant, police raided Derby's residence Thursday and seized his computer. That computer is now undergoing a forensic examination.
Investigators said later that night, Derby was found dead i a field in Desoto.
"I wish, you know, he didn't take his own life," said Genenbacher. "I wish he would have, you know, been a little bit more man, able to face the actual judicial punishment or, you know, at least get his due process to either, you know, try to clear his name."
Police say the investigation will continue, adding they still need to identify possible victims.
https://www.ksn.com/news/kansas/kansas-teacher-in-child-porn-investigation-found-dead/1361790068