School official accused of sex crimes released from custody

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A western Wisconsin school superintendent accused of sex crimes was released from custody Monday under orders that he remain under house arrest.

Altoona Superintendent Dan Peggs. 32. is charged in federal court with sex trafficking and possession of child pornography. Authorities say he recruited a minor for sex acts in 2015 and created a child pornography video involving that minor.

Ashley Peggs, the suspect’s wife, told WEAU-TV that her husband will be staying with family in Oregon, Wisconsin. She said he will not be allowed back in their home in Altoona.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger did not object to Peggs’ release. She told the court the case involved only one victim and Peggs stopped having contact with her when she turned 18, more than three years ago.

The order prohibits Peggs from being on Altoona School property and he is not allowed to have contact with any children, including his own.

The 32-year-old Peggs did not speak during an 18-minute detention hearing other than responding to yes or no questions from the judge.

Peggs’ federal public defender, Joseph Bugni, did not immediately return a message left Tuesday by The Associated Press.

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