Buckeye Union High School Principal Arrested

PHOENIX — The principal of Buckeye Union High School was arrested Tuesday after being accused of luring a minor for sexual exploitation through an anonymous social media app.

According to court documents, Joe Kinney, 42, texted an undercover FBI agent through the Whisper app on July 22, posing as a 12-year-old girl.

Kinney responded to a text from the officer complaining that she was bored by telling her to “get comfortable in her bed and take her clothes off,” the arrest report said.

Court documents show the conversation led to Kinney explicitly telling the officer what he would do to her sexually and asking for nude photos.

At one point, Kinney said he would “love to come and rescue” the girl, who, according to the arrest report, was in Oregon visiting her grandmother.

The conversation ended the next day after Kinney told the girl he was working and she asked if he had a job he liked.

What did Buckeye Union High School District say about the accused principal?

The district placed Kinney on administrative leave Tuesday, with Assistant Director Kristin Koke serving as interim director.

Buckeye Union High School District said the focus was on the students.

“Because this is a personnel matter, we are unable to share further details at this time,” the district said in a statement. “Our focus is on ensuring our students have access to an excellent educational experience.”

Kinney faces one count of enticing a minor for sexual exploitation in the case. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Follow @KTAR923