Medary Elementary educator arrested in Brookings

BROOKINGS — The Brookings Police Department has arrested a first-grade teacher on allegations of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Alec B. Johnson, 34, who teaches at Medary Elementary School in Brookings, was taken into custody the afternoon of March 11 and booked into the Brookings County Detention Center, according to information from BPD Chief Michael Drake. The charge is a misdemeanor.

BCDC staff told The Brookings Register on March 12 that Johnson was released on a personal recognizance bond. His initial court hearing is set for 9 a.m. on April 13.

“At this time, I can’t speak to the specific acts performed by the defendant as this is still an ongoing investigation,” Drake said when reached by a reporter.

The school district released a statement on March 12 as well.

“The Brookings School District is aware of the charges filed against Alec Johnson. Mr. Johnson remains under contract with the district but has been on administrative leave since March 2,” it said. “Because this involves both a personnel matter and an active legal process, the district is unable to provide additional details at this time.”

— Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].