SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ) – A concerning post on Craigslist has led to a police investigation and a reminder.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a post on Craigslist seen Monday which advertised “Children for Sale — Forest Glen Elementary”. It also read — “Hundreds of kids to choose from. Pick and Run. Male or Female ages 5 to 9.”
“At this time we’re thinking this is a joke,” says Lt. Jim Valley, Brown County Sheriff’s Department. “We’re looking into it to see if we can find out who posted that ad.”
Valley says the post has been taken down and it’s a reminder for parents and the community.
“Be aware of your children and your children’s surroundings,” Valley says. “The school and the sheriff’s office can only do so much and sometimes we rely on parents and relatives to help protect our community and protect our kids.”
School officials had required all students who walk or bike home from Forest Glen Elementary to be picked up or escorted by an adult. Parents who normally pick up their kids from school were asked to pick them up from the gym.
In a letter sent home to parents on Monday, Principal Angie Sorenson wrote:
“I am writing to notify you that we received a phone call from a parent at 11:30 a.m. today regarding a posting on Craigslist titled, “Children For Sale – Forest Glen Elementary,” that was concerning to us. Your children’s safety is our highest priority. We immediately consulted the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and they are investigating the situation.
Out of precaution we are requiring students who walk or bike home from school to be picked up or escorted home by an adult today. If your transportation home consists of pick-up, bus or day care transportation – this will continue as normal.
Today proceeded as a typical day. The only exception was that after we were notified of the posting we continued with indoor recess.
While we have no reason to believe student safety is at risk for dismissal today, we are proceeding with caution and will have parents pick up any students who are scheduled to walk or bike home from school.
We will follow up with you if and when we learn more from the Sheriff’s Department.”
A school district official said Tuesday that recess and dismissal procedures have returned to normal.
