The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says a Lodi music teacher is under arrest for possession of child pornography.
The Sheriff’s Office said a tip from the Wisconsin Department of Justice led to the arrest of 28-year-old Dakota Mellen. In a statement that went out to families and staff, a Lodi School District official said police don’t believe the charges involve “any of our students or any activity on school grounds.” The statement did not mention Mellen by name and did not identify any schools where he taught, but did say that he “will not be returning to school and will not be allowed on school property.” Mellen, who is scheduled to appear in court next week, is currently facing 20 counts of possession and more charges may be added, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
