Justin Zipperer (Photo courtesy: Manitowoc Police Department)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Authorities are searching for potential victims after a school bus driver was arrested for possession of child pornography.
Police say Justin Zipperer, 39, of Manitowoc, provided transportation for students in the Valders Area School District.
In a statement, a VASD representative said:
Justin Zipperer is not an employee of the Valders Area School District. We contract our bussing service with Valders Buses, Inc. and that is where all of our bus drivers come from.
Even though Justin isn’t our employee we are working in 100% cooperation with the Manitowoc Police Dept.
An investigation into Zipperer was initiated April 28 based on a cyber tip received by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators reviewed a file Zipperer allegedly attempted to share from a Dropbox.com account, and it was confirmed to be a video depicting child pornography.
From there, the Manitowoc Police Department determined Zipperer “possessed numerous video files in the Dropbox.com account that depicted child sexual abuse material.”
On Tuesday, search warrants were executed in the 300 block of Riverview Drive in Manitowoc, and at a business in the Manitowoc where Zipperer previously worked. Numerous electronic devices were seized during those searches.
“Contact was also made with Zipperer, who subsequently admitted to possessing and viewing the child sexual abuse material,” a news release states.
Zipperer was taken into custody and is being held at the Manitowoc County Jail for possession of child pornography. An investigation is still active.
Authorities say they are looking “to identify any other potential victims.” If you are a victim, or are aware of any possible victims, you are urged to contact Manitowoc Police Department Detective Jason Denk at (920) 686-6557.
You can also reach out to the Manitowoc Police Department Shift Commanders Office at (920) 686-6551 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (920) 683-4466 or by utilizing the P3 App. Tipsters may remain anonymous if they choose. Reference Manitowoc Case number 2025-00004422.
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