ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – The varsity girls’ basketball coach at Seymour High School has been arrested in an Internet sex sting.
34-year-old Nicholas Darnick of Seymour was arrested last Friday on charges of child enticement and use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime. In court Monday afternoon, Darnick’s bond was set at $25,000 cash and is due back in court on May 13.
Ashwaubenon Public Safety Capt. Jody Crocker announced at a press conference Monday morning that Darnick was arrested as part of a statewide Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation dubbed “Operation New Hope 2”.
“During the operation an undercover chat, which began March 21 and continued through the day of the arrest, revealed a subject who traveled from Seymour to an address in Ashwaubenon to meet whom he thought was a 15-year-old girl,” said Crocker.
Investigators say that Darnick answered an online ad, which is frequented by underage children all across Wisconsin.
According to the criminal complaint, Darnick expressed concerns he would get arrested in his email and texts with the undercover police officer, posing as the 15-year-old girl.
Here is part of one exchange:
Darnick: “My biggest worry, drawback is that I’m a teacher. Just very awkward to me. Dangerous.”Undercover officer: “Omg. That makes you even sexier. It’s like the best fantasy EVER… I had a teacher in middle school that I was crushing on, lol.Undercover officer: “If you aren’t interested, it’s fine. I’ll just leave you alone.”Darnick: “It’s not that I’m not. It’s I’m not sure it’s a choice that is best for either of us.”
And another:
Darnick: “Before I answer that, how do I know you’re not police? Having some fun isn’t worth jail time. :-)Undercover officer: “umm… I’m not sure we have cops that work this late around here, lol.
Darnick described his actions after his arrest:
“Darnick admitted that he drove to the McDonald’s for the purpose of meeting the 15 year old girl. Darnick denied that he was ever actually going to have sexual intercourse with her because he would never cheat on his wife or have specific thoughts about sex with a 15 year old,” the complaint states. “He stated he was only responding to the girl in an effort to ‘negate’ her advances.”
Earlier on Monday, Seymour school district superintendent Peter Ross says they were notified Friday night about Darnick’s arrest. Ross says Darnick has been put on administrative leave and they are monitoring the situation.
“The alleged actions of one individual true, or not, does nothing to sway us from our mission and duty of educating every child to the best of our ability,” Ross said, according to FOX 11.
According to the district’s website, Darnick teaches high school and 8th grade physical education. He is also on the coaching staff for the high school football team.
Additional reporting by WTAQ reporter Jeff Flynt
