Shocking Arrest: Colten Scott Johansen, Former Ogden High SRO, in Major Child Exploitation Case

🚨 Ogden Police School Resource Officer Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges

OGDEN, Utah — Ogden Police Department (OPD) school resource officer Colten Scott Johansen, 55, was arrested on October 24, 2024, following an internal investigation that began in mid-October when he disclosed criminal conduct during a polygraph exam for another school-related security position reddit.com+15ksl.com+15gephardtdaily.com+15.

📌 Charges and Allegations

• Johansen was booked into Davis County Jail on ten counts of second-degree felony sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of third-degree felony tampering with evidence, and one count of misdemeanor official misconduct ksltv.com+9abc4.com+9ksltv.com+9.

• According to court documents, Johansen admitted to taking sensitive case files, including CDs with images depicting nude adults and minors, from his work to his home in Huntsville for personal use ksltv.com+5standard.net+5gephardtdaily.com+5.

• Members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force verified that these discs contained hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including images of infants and prepubescent children ksl.com+2standard.net+2gephardtdaily.com+2.

• Johansen is accused of official misconduct by removing these files from a secured evidence facility and tampering by retaining them at home reddit.com+15abc4.com+15ksl.com+15.

🛑 Administrative and School Response

• The Ogden Police Department immediately terminated Johansen after the investigation began reddit.com+15ksl.com+15ksltv.com+15.

• OPD confirmed the misconduct did not occur while Johansen was on duty or interacting with students at Ogden High School reddit.com+15fox13now.com+15ksltv.com+15.

• The Ogden School District assured the community that counselors are available and emphasized there is no indication of misconduct involving students .

⚖️ Legal Proceedings and Cooperation

• Johansen was initially held on a $100,000 bond and later posted cash bail ksl.com+1ksl.com+1.

• The Davis County Sheriff’s Office is leading the criminal investigation, with full cooperation from Ogden PD ksl.com+8fox13now.com+8standard.net+8.

• No trial date has been set, and investigations are ongoing .

👥 Official Statements

• Lt. Will Farr (Ogden PD): “Upon learning of these disclosures, a criminal case was immediately opened… He has been terminated.” ksltv.com+3abc4.com+3standard.net+3

• Ogden School District's Director of Communications: Emphasized there is no evidence Johansen abused his role at school and confirmed counseling is available to anyone affected reddit.com+15standard.net+15abc4.com+15.

🔍 Why This Case Matters

• Breach of public trust: Johansen was previously praised for his active role in an emergency response at Ogden High. His arrest raises serious concerns about oversight and access to sensitive materials .

• Evidence security: Allegations reveal significant failures in evidence handling and safeguarding policies within the police department.

• Community impact: The incident has unsettled the school community, prompting reassurances from officials and highlighting the need for trust and transparency.

⏭️ What’s Next

• Court proceedings ahead: Johansen will face arraignment and pretrial hearings. The strength of evidence—including the CD files and polygraph admissions—will significantly influence the case.

• Policy and oversight review: Ogden PD may revise how evidence is stored and handled to prevent similar misconduct.

• Community response: Administrators will continue outreach to support students and families while cooperating with the investigation.

📝 Conclusion

The arrest of former Ogden High SRO Colten Scott Johansen in connection with serious child exploitation charges marks a disturbing turn for an officer once considered a figure of safety in schools. As criminal proceedings move forward, the case highlights systemic issues in evidence protection and the delicate balance of public trust in law enforcement.

Source: KSL.com