A daycare worker and babysitter in West Allis is facing numerous child pornography charges.
According to the criminal complaint, Jonathan Burkee, 25, faces one count of sexual exploitation of a child and five counts of possession of child pornography.
TMJ4 does not typically use mugshots in news coverage; however, we are doing so in this case due to the potential for more victims.
According to the criminal complaint, police were informed by the FBI of a cybercrime in an online chatroom on November 5th. Investigators identified an 11-year-old girl as the victim — she's a student at St. Paul's Lutheran School in West Allis.
Watch: Daycare worker, babysitter facing child porn charges:
The mother of the victim says Burkee would watch the children at "before school care," and would babysit the girl and her sister from time to time. The complaint says the mother believes Burkee is also the school principal's son.
When officers interviewed the victim, according to court documents, she said Burkee would take pictures of her in the bathroom at school and at his house.
On Saturday, November 9th, police executed a search warrant. Before reading that warrant, police say Burkee told officers, "I know what I did was wrong; I have to go to the bathroom; I have child stuff on my phone; Dad, I'm sorry; I have child stuff on my phone."
St. Paul's Lutheran sent TMJ4 a statement saying:
"We are aware of the recent arrest and charges filed against Jonathan Burkee. Jonathan Burkee was a non-teaching part-time staff member of St. Paul’s Lutheran.
As of November 9th, 2024, Jonathan Burkee is no longer employed by St. Paul’s Lutheran. We have been and will continue to cooperate with the West Allis Police Department with their ongoing investigation.
Please understand that our primary focus at this time is providing our families and students with guidance and support as we navigate this difficult time.
Please honor our request and provide our Church, School, and families with the privacy we need to work and focus on healing together"
TMJ4 reached out to the Missouri Synod, who St. Paul's is affiliated with. In a statement, the Synod responded saying St. Paul's is "independent and self-governing. To that end, they are ultimately responsible for all programming and staffing within their building."
The Synod also says they have been assured St. Pual's is cooperating with the investigation.
A $5000 cash bond has been set. Burkee is expected back in court next Thursday.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
