Former Substitute Teacher at Bradford High School Charged With 14 Counts Of Sexual Misconduct By School Staff, Other Felonies

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Alex Poyner, (32) of Kenosha
(Facebook.com)

Kenosha, Wis. – A former substitute teacher at Kenosha Unified School District’s Bradford High School was charged today with 14 counts of Sexual Misconduct by School Staff. He was also charged with three felony counts of Expose Child to Harmful Descriptions. If convicted, 32-year-old Alex R. Poyner faces nearly 60 years in prison.

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Poyner had previously been under scrutiny by the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) and was allowed to resign rather than be fired last year after discussing inappropriate sexual topics with students.

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Alex Poyner, (32) of Kenosha
(Facebook.com)

Investigation and Charges

According to the criminal complaint, on October 28, 2024, Kenosha Police Officer La’ Ryan Johnson, the school resource officer at Bradford High School, was alerted by an assistant principal about concerning messages received by a 15-year-old student, identified as Student X. The messages were sent via Instagram from Poyner, who had been a substitute teacher at Bradford High School from October 2020 until April 2024.

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Student X reported that Poyner began messaging him at the start of 2024 after he inquired about the teacher’s departure from the school. The messages allegedly contained inappropriate sexual content, references to pop culture figures accused of abuse, and discussions of explicit acts. Concerned about the nature of the communication, Student X ceased responding to Poyner, prompting school officials to escalate the matter to law enforcement.

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The Kenosha Police detective assigned to the case, discovered that Poyner had also worked as a substitute teacher at West Allis-West Milwaukee and Nicolet Union High Schools. During the investigation, it was revealed that Poyner had been placed on administrative leave at West Allis-West on October 20, 2024, due to allegations of misconduct. He resigned from that position on October 29, 2024, before the internal investigation concluded. Records also confirmed that Poyner had worked briefly at Nicolet High School in September 2024.

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A review of Poyner’s Instagram messages revealed sexually suggestive and explicit language directed at the student. Messages contained references to illicit relationships, adult content, and discussions that law enforcement classified as predatory in nature. In one exchange, Poyner allegedly referenced engaging in inappropriate acts with students once they turned 18 and discussed specific sexual preferences and activities.

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Admission and Arrest Warrant

On November 11, 2024, the detective contacted Poyner, who admitted that his communication with Student X may have been inappropriate. While he described their conversations as “dancing around the line,” he denied any intention of engaging in physical misconduct. He claimed to use “dark humor” to relate to students and cheer them up. Despite his attempts to downplay the messages, law enforcement determined that the conversations warranted criminal charges.

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As of now, a $50,000 arrest warrant has been issued for Poyner. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

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Previous Warnings from School Officials

Internal documents reveal that Poyner had previously received warnings from school administrators regarding inappropriate discussions with students.

In an email dated December 6, 2023, then-principal Brian Geiger reprimanded Poyner for discussing his personal life with students, specifically stating that comments such as, “I like big Black dudes” were unacceptable. Poyner responded by acknowledging his mistake and promising to improve his professional conduct.

However, additional complaints surfaced in April 2024, leading to further warnings from school officials regarding his failure to follow lesson plans. On April 17, 2024, Poyner was again warned by Principal Geiger about concerns from both students and staff. Two days later, an email from KUSD Human Resources confirmed Poyner’s resignation after he expressed disinterest in continuing his employment.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.

***Update 2/26/2025 8:43am***

Poyner is in custody.

Alex Poyner, (32) of Kenosha
(Kenosha Sheriff)

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73 Responses

  1. KUSD is fertile ground for the Pedophile Community to openly recruit their victims.
    What is the ratio of actual incidents to those reported? 1 out of 10.
    These sexual predator deviants are running wild while the Administration waters it all down.

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    1. It would be nice, as citizens, if we could charge the administration with a citizens arrest or something along those Iines. We need to start standing up together as a community to get these people arrested and put in jail for endangering the children! I’m not just talking about the teachers, coaches, and counselors that have already been caught and “resigned”, I’m talking about the ADMINISTRATION. Let’s get rid of these people! Clean house! This has been happening over and over and over again! THIS is something that really WOULD be For The Children!

      How can we, as citizens, change the school policies? ESPECIALLY about allowing these people to RESIGN and not get FIRED? Also, this kind of stuff needs to stay in their file!

  2. Why do schools allow bad teachers to resign instead of being fired? All they are doing is letting troubled teachers move to another district and start doing it all over?

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    1. Are under the impression that you can fire someone charged with a crime? The judicial system tells us you are innocent until proven guilty. Maybe they should go your way though and just fire em all and use your hard earned tax dollars on the lawsuits they get filed with and lose for breaking the law.

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      1. I get that, but THIS has just gotten WAY out of hand AND WE ARE ANGRY! Thankfully he is in custody where he can’t communicate with any children.
        Things have GOT to change Kenosha! Start making your voices heard. Start voting other school officials in and if there is a way to charge the administration for endangering the children, LETS DO IT!!!

      1. You realize that the city / schools are basically self-insured, since the deductible is purposely sky high and basically in most cases we supply them with the settlement money and all we get for our premiums is the insurance company doing paperwork and actually issuing the check?

  3. Hmm wonder why the referendum failed? Because we are tired of paying the board to let perverts and child predators just resign so they can move on to the next district to prey on other unassuming children. Neir needs to step down for ALLOWING these scumbags to resign over and over again. It is more or less saying it’s ok no hard feelings move along. Washington middle school has a 3 time felon drug dealer for a teacher, and endless perverts everywhere else. Hmm yet we wonder why nobody wants to bail out the district for their poor financial choices, they don’t even fire child predators or felons, instead they employ them and lock them in buildings and room with our children. This district is dysfunctional, sivk down right twisted. The board isn’t much better than whom they employ clearly. Birds of a feather flock together after all. Sad that it’s always KENOSHA in the the news for misconduct within our schools, it’s as though there is a new report daily. Maybe it’s time to replace the ENTIRE board because they clearly see no issues with this conduct because if they did then they wouldn’t allow the perverts to step away quietly or felons to remain in the class room. Children do NOT need those kind of people as examples or role models and they certainly do not deserve the trust of our children. Repulsive and disgraceful that’s what this district has become.

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    1. I can’t believe some of these comments. You cannot fire someone charged with a crime. You can only do it when convicted. They are doing the what they can to get them out.

      If I get a DuI charge my employer can’t fire me. If I get convicted and go to jail they can. If I was found not guilty I could sue them.

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      1. Private companies can fire- and do. This is why we need to get rid of the Dept of Education and teachers unions. Both are complicit in these crimes.

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        1. It’s not that cut and dry. I’m sure the district has a legal staff. I’m sure lawsuits are a consideration in that decision making.

      2. Screw arrested, what about policy violations that is grounds for dismissal stop trying to protect child predators anyone who does will have there day to explain.

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        1. Exactly, this isn’t some exercise in civil rights, this is a very specific case where based on the person’s job and job rules, they had everything they needed to move him from use in the classroom. The rest just just details which competent administrators should have dealt with, but I guess we don’t have any at the higher levels. So glad we didn’t vote yes, is that money is going to be just flushed down the legal toilet if it ever is approved.

        1. I’d like to find a way that we could all charge the administration for endangering the children. Every ONE of the parents should file charges against them! Get rid of them!

      3. I would think they could be fired for continuing unacceptable behavior outlined in their performance handbook, especially after multiple warnings. If there
        is clear documented evidence, such as text messages, phonecards, etc., that their behavior has endangered students or falls in the category of being predatory then there should be no reason why they can’t be fired. I’d like to know what hiring procedures are being used that our school system seems to have this problem on a continued basis and what steps our school board and administration are taking to
        correct this.

      1. People don’t do a damm thing. If parents were concerned they would all be at the school board meeting and sitting outside the stupidententeds office

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    2. Exactly, well said!! Vote out the same liberal judges who continually allow this type of behavior. It’s disgusting and their grooming our children to think this type of behavior from teachers is “normal”… IT IS NOT NORMAL BY ANY MEANS!!!!

  4. Kusd is pathetic and have no clue what jokes are nowadays and most likely the student once again just got all angry at him and decided ha you getting fired smh pathetic

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    1. Then he could sue the student, but he won’t because we have the various texts showing he needs to be fired for violating the work rules of his job

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      1. “Work rules”? No. He should be fired for being a pedifile and grooming and having perverted discussions with children. He should not be allowed to work around any children. I get that there’s a process, but right now, thankfully he’s behind bars!

        I really do think we all need to talk with our new DA and see if there are additional things we can do as citizens and get some charges against the schools hiring these people and putting the kids in danger.

  5. How does a school district or an any employer know if someone is a pedo unless they were previously convicted? Some visionary mindreaders are on this thread. It’s a larger problem than in just schools and our police are doing a great job finding these d bags.

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    1. KCE is doing a great job finding these dirtbags. We as citizens need to demand those ” sweep it under the rug” policies need to change. The administration needs.to change.or the same.thing will.keep.happening

  6. What happened to background checks? How does the district miss all of this stuff. I also think it’s time for KUSD to do social media reviews prior to hiring. Oh yeah…that costs money they would rather spend on administrative salaries.

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    1. Nothing comes up in the background checks because they allow these pedo’s to resign and it then moves on to the next school for them to victimize those students. Its a vicious cycle and also nothing shows because none of them have been arrested for their crimes or for some sick and twisted the reason, this is the first time they have been caught!!

  7. It is their culture. Curtiss Tolefree was allowed to resign and seek employment elsewhere.

    There is another prominent individual that Sue Savaglio-Jarvis allegedly skate by as well.

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  8. KUSD probably has 1500 employees.
    With that many people there’s always an issue. I’m a former HR manager retired. You’d be surprised with stupid people do at work or after work.
    As long as key KUSD takes action. That’s what it is expected from the employer and required.

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    1. This is far more than a small percentage. There are stories every month about these sexual deviants–and this is the issue, KUSD does NOTHING unless they have to

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  9. If not for Kevin’s work here on his website, think of all crime and corruption that would be allowed, swept under the rug, or allowed to pass along to the next community. The internet is forever and these criminals will be doxxed forever. Kevin is doing what mainstream journalists should be doing.

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  10. Key phrase: “Poyner had previously been under scrutiny by the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) and was allowed to resign rather than be fired last year after discussing inappropriate sexual topics with students.>

    Once again KUSD not only seems to breed sexual deviants, but they put children at harm by NOT firing him and reporting him to police!

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  11. America is such a deviant country. If America cared about its children, these deviants would be dealt with in the most harshest way. But no! It’s getting worse year by year.

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  12. He’s in jail as of yesterday

    Inmate Detail – POYNER, ALEXANDER ROBERT

    Demographic Information

    Name
    POYNER, ALEXANDER ROBERT
    Subject Number
    178481
    Age
    32
    Gender
    Male
    Race
    White
    Height
    5′ 10″
    Weight
    202.0 lbs
    Address
    KENOSHA, WISCONSIN 53143
    Photo 1DL1W3K3
    Booking History

    Booking 2025-00001060

    Booking Date
    2/25/2025 5:26 PM
    Release Date
    Prisoner Type
    Warrant
    Classification
    *Unclassified
    Housing Facility
    PRE TRIAL
    Total Bond Amount
    $50,000.00
    Total Bail Amount
    $0.00
    Booking Origin
    Kenosha Police Department
    Number Charge Description Docket Number Disposition Disposition Date Crime Class Arresting Agency Attempt/Commit
    2 EXPOSE CHILD TO HARMFUL DESCRIPTIONS PTAC WARRANT ADDITIONAL CHARGES 2/25/2025 Felony COMMITTED
    1 SEX MISCONDUCT BY SCHOOL STAFF PERSON OR VOLUNTEER 25CF255 Felony

  13. OKAY, OKAY this is coming from a former student of WMIS and he was at our school for the year becuase yk he was out school sub, OUR WHOLEEE SCHOOL JUST FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAPPENED, TODAY!!! AND YOU THINK NOT TO TELL PARENTS ABOUT WHAT HE DID?? WHAT IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT WMIS, AND NOBODY WANTED TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT??? This is ultimately f**ked up. And I’m happy the student that found out actually looked into it instead of just spreading a rumor. It sickens me to think I was in a classroom with this guy for a whole year. And mind you most of use thought he was cool but a few of us (including myself) would always see him staring at girls a**es and upper chest area. We knew smth was up with him but we just now found out. This is utterly disgusting and gross.

  14. As someone who had him as a sub I am not even surprised. I always thought the dude was weird and I could’ve seen this coming a year ago when he would text my boyfriend at the time who was also an underaged student inappropriate memes and he would post sexual stuff on his Instagram that he was friends with many students on.

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Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of strangling his girlfriend’s daughter’s fiancé and battering another family member during a domestic disturbance was charged Wednesday and given a $5,000 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Kevin T. Anderson, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in

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Navy Sailor Accused of 130 MPH Police Chase Has Bail Cut From $40,000 to $20,000

Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 19-year-old Milwaukee man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Kenosha and Racine counties had his bail cut in half Thursday by Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II after originally being wanted on a $40,000 arrest warrant issued last month. Andrew Richardson Farah, 19, of Milwaukee(Kenosha

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Kenosha Man Accused of Leaving 10-Year-Old Home Alone, Fighting With Police Gets $1,000 Cash Bail

Jeffery J. Schrock, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Update 4/3/2026 @ 6:22 p.m.: Attorney Benjamin Schwarz successfully moved to dismiss the child-neglect charge during Schrock’s initial appearance Thursday. Schrock now faces only the remaining counts of disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer and resisting an officer. KENOSHA, Wis. — A 47-year-old Kenosha man accused of leaving his 10-year-old son home alone while he

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Twin Lakes Man Accused of Stealing Cash, Jewelry and Forging Elderly Victim’s Checks Gets $7,500 Cash Bail

Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Twin Lakes man accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and mailed checks from an elderly man who allowed him to live in his home for years was given a $7,500 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William Michel II. Robert J. Schmidt Sr., 53,

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Illinois Menards Felony Theft Suspect Gets Bail Cut After Arrest; Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, Still at Large

Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 46-year-old Illinois man accused of repeatedly stealing roofing materials and shingles from Menards stores had his cash bail reduced Thursday after his arrest Wednesday, while his alleged co-defendant, Juan Zavala Gonzalez, 41, remains at large. Ramon Morales, 46, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the

Two Dead After Overnight House Fire in Pleasant Prairie

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Two people are dead after a house fire early Thursday morning in the 2500 block of 116th Street in Pleasant Prairie. Police were reportedly the first to arrive at the home, where they found heavy flames coming from the rear of the house. Officers indicated the fire was too intense for them to safely enter the residence without proper

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Kenosha Woman Accused of Stealing More Than $2,100 in Merchandise From Target and Nike Given $2,500 Bail

Lorilei L. Barwick, 53, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of stealing more than $2,100 worth of merchandise from Target and Nike over two separate dates was charged Wednesday and given a $2,500 cash bail by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II. Michel also ordered 53-year-old Lorilei L. Barwick to have no contact with

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Chicago Man Wanted on $10,000 Warrant After Allegedly Using Fake Funeral Scam to Try to Steal Thousands From Kenosha Shoppers

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 24-year-old Chicago man is wanted in Kenosha County after prosecutors charged him with allegedly using a fake funeral donation scam to try to steal thousands of dollars from shoppers outside two Kenosha stores. Court Commissioner William Michel II issued a $10,000 warrant for Kion E. Harris after charges were

Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission Opens Second Quarter Nominations

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is once again seeking nominations for local veterans to be recognized during the second quarter of 2026. The program honors men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to the City of Kenosha. Eligible nominees must have been born in Kenosha, currently

City Compost Site To Open April 6; Free Drop-Off Available for Kenosha Residents

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha residents will once again be able to drop off brush, branches and compostable materials beginning Monday, April 6, when the city’s Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site reopens for the season. The site, located at 4071 88th Ave., will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The service is available only to City of Kenosha residents and

Tiffany Pushes to End Emissions Testing, Eliminate Taxes on Tips and Overtime in New Campaign Proposals

GREENDALE, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Tom Tiffany unveiled two major economic proposals Tuesday, calling for an end to Wisconsin’s vehicle emissions testing requirement and promising to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. During an event in Greendale, Tiffany said Wisconsin’s emissions testing system is outdated and places unnecessary burdens on drivers in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties. He

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