Clayton County Cybercrimes Unit Arrest

A recent investigation stemming from a Clayton County Sheriff’s Office cybercrime investigation has resulted in the arrest of Skylar William Hudnut Ahrens, 36, of Lake Mills, Iowa, on multiple charges involving the exploitation of a child. Ahrens, a physical education teacher for middle and elementary school students and a girls track coach at both middle and high school levels, was taken into custody after undercover deputies posed as a 15-year-old girl on a social media platform.

Investigators say Ahrens was told multiple times the individual was 15 years old. Despite this, he allegedly continued to request nude photographs and sent an explicit image of himself to undercover investigators.

Ahrens now faces the following charges in Clayton County:

• Exploitation of a Minor

• Telephone Dissemination of Obscene Materials to a Minor

• Grooming

Information from the Clayton County investigation was immediately shared with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, where Ahrens resides, which launched its own undercover operation. That work led to additional, similar charges being filed in Winnebago County.

This case highlights the critical importance of proactive, undercover operations aimed at identifying and stopping individuals who prey on children, said Clayton County Sheriff, Brent Ostrander. We are proud of the skill, diligence, and dedication our investigators displayed in this case, and of the collaborative efforts that led to additional charges in Winnebago County. Protecting our children will always remain one of our highest priorities.

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.