Myrtle Beach School Administrator Charged with Child Solicitation

Parents and children discussing safety measures in front of a school

News Summary

Jason Keller, a 55-year-old school administrator from Myrtle Beach, has been arrested on serious charges including sexual exploitation of minors. Following an online investigation, Keller engaged in explicit chats with someone posing as a 14-year-old girl, leading to his arrest by law enforcement at Atlantic Collegiate Academy. The community is in shock, raising concerns about child safety and online interactions, while Keller faces multiple criminal charges and is on administrative leave during an ongoing investigation.

Myrtle Beach School Administrator Arrested for Child Solicitation

In a shocking turn of events, Myrtle Beach residents are grappling with the arrest of Jason Keller, a 55-year-old school administrator who served as the dean of students at Atlantic Collegiate Academy in neighboring Conway, South Carolina. The Goose Creek Police Department took Keller into custody at the school this past Tuesday, sending ripples of disbelief throughout the local community.

Charges Filed Against Keller

Keller faces serious charges, including first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, criminal solicitation of a minor, and criminal sexual conduct with a minor, specifically involving children aged 11 to 14. According to police reports, the ordeal began during an online training event in October 2024 when Keller unknowingly engaged in explicit conversations with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. However, the supposed teen was actually a well-trained investigator from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

The extensive operation being led by state investigators brings light to the serious issue of online predators, as Keller’s explicit chats reveal alarming intentions. Authorities tracked his vehicle to a hotel in Summerville, SC, where he was reportedly staying during the alleged misconduct.

Aftermath of the Arrest

Following the shocking news, Keller was swiftly booked into the Berkeley County Detention Center. In a move many expected, Atlantic Collegiate Academy announced that Keller has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. As of now, the public charter school has not released any formal statement about the incident, leaving many parents and staff in a state of unease and questioning.

Community Response

The community’s reaction has been one of disbelief and concern. Parents are expressing worries over the safety of their children and how someone in a position of authority could be involved in such heinous activities. Questions have arisen about the protocols in place at schools to protect students from potential threats, particularly when it comes to online interactions.

Ongoing Investigation

This incident is part of a much larger investigation into child solicitation and exploitation. The attorney general’s office emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in monitoring children’s online activity and educating them about internet safety. As this story unfolds, updates are likely to emerge, shedding more light on the broader implications for the local educational community and the measures that may be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.

What Comes Next?

As the investigation continues, community members are urged to remain engaged and informed. Parents are reminded to have open discussions with their children regarding internet safety and to monitor their online interactions closely. The consequences of Keller’s actions have left an indelible mark on the community, sparking a conversation about the responsibility of educators and the safety measures needed to protect young students from potential threats.

While the future remains uncertain for Jason Keller, the safety and well-being of the students at Atlantic Collegiate Academy continue to be a top priority for concerned parents and community leaders alike. Keep an eye out for new developments in this troubling story as it continues to evolve.