38-year-old Brian Kitzman arrested on charges of child pornography and privacy violation, with additional charges of representing nudity
Approximately 18 students were believed to have been recorded during that time, according to Janesville Police Chief David Moore during a news conference with the school district superintendent. Police are still determining the exact number of students that were caught on camera.
The police department said additional families of potential victims will be notified as investigators continue to review footage.
Craig High School Coach Arrested https://t.co/pKFR78aW6c
— Janesville PD (@JanesvillePD) May 6, 2023
The recordings were described by Moore as crimes of opportunity and students were not specifically targeted. Kitzman would find places in the locker rooms where he could put cameras and hide them.
One camera was discovered when a student spotted her missing towel in a locker that was secured by a Craig High School administrative lock. A GoPro camera was located with the help of a high school staff member who retrieved the towel, according to Moore.
The camera was turned over to the school resource officer, and within a few hours, police realized what was happening and identified Kitzman as the suspect.Kitzman was arrested within a half-hour while boarding a bus that was headed for a track meet
The Rock County jail booked him for counts of possession of child pornography, violation of privacy, and representations depicting nudity.
Janesville School District Superintendent Mark Holzman stated that supporting the students and cooperating with the police investigation are their top priorities.
Holzman added that the district has been providing necessary support to the students and has increased the resources available to them. Families were also assured that a search was conducted to ensure there were no more cameras.
Moore explained that Kitzman, who had been coaching multiple sports for the School District of Janesville since 2004, is currently on administrative leave.
The district will wait for the investigation to conclude before deciding on his employment.
