Colonial Heights elementary school aide 'person of interest' in online crimes against children

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Federal authorities arrested a staff member at one of the city's elementary schools Monday morning in connection with possible online charges involving children.

A Facebook post from Colonial Heights Public Schools early Monday afternoon said Richard Whitley "is a person of interest related to internet crimes against children." At the time of his arrest, Whitley was a "computer-support paraprofessional" at North Elementary School.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "paraprofessional" as "a trained aide who assists a professional person (such as a teacher or doctor)."

A spokesperson for the U.S. District Court in Richmond confirmed that Whitley was arrested by FBI agents with the assistance of the Colonial Heights Police Department Monday in Petersburg.

Whitley, 37, was hired at North in 2018, the post said. In addition to his computer-service duties, he also had worked as a substitute bus driver and a summer school aide.

"We understand that the investigation is ongoing and do not have any further information at this time," the CHPS post stated. The system added it did not expect to make any additional comments on the arrest.

A spokesperson for the field office did not release any details on what type of charges Whitley is facing. She also did not say if the investigation involved any students from North Elementary.

"The court documents are currently sealed. I cannot provide any additional information at this time," spokesperson Cassandra Temple said in an email to The Progress-Index.

It was not immediately known how much contact Whitley had with North students. However, the statement from the school system sought to reassure parents.

"The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority," the school system said. "Any Colonial Heights Public Schools students or parents who may need additional support at school should contact school administration."

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on Twitter at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Virginia school aide arrested in FBI probe into online kid crimes