A shocking incident unfolded in the town of Union, NY, when a middle school principal was arrested for attempted rape after allegedly traveling to meet a teenage girl. The accused, Daniel Erickson, who served as the principal of Johnson City Middle School, was apprehended with chicken nuggets and a Grimace milkshake from McDonald’s at the time of his arrest.
The arrest was made by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office detectives on July 7, 2023, following an investigation into suspicious behavior involving a minor who attended Johnson City High School. It was discovered that Erickson had been communicating with a 16-year-old female student through Snapchat. The communication initially began with Erickson posing as a younger adult but later revealing his true identity as the middle school principal, using information from the school district database to convince the girl of his identity.
Erickson’s conversations with the minor had been ongoing for at least a week before his arrest, during which he repeatedly attempted to arrange meetings with her. He even went to her home, but his attempt was unsuccessful as the victim did not come out to meet him. Eventually, Erickson agreed to meet with the student in a remote location for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct. However, detectives were waiting at the location and arrested him upon his arrival.
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the situation on July 5, 2022, and immediately intervened to ensure the safety of the juvenile female. Sheriff Fred Akshar commended the Detective Division for their excellent police work, prioritizing the safety and welfare of the student above all else. He also thanked the Johnson City School District, particularly Superintendent Eric Race, for their cooperation and provision of vital information throughout the investigation.
Sheriff Akshar acknowledged the nightmare scenario that such incidents pose for parents, highlighting the importance of immediate reporting to authorities by both students and parents. He emphasized the need for collaboration between schools, law enforcement, and families to hold individuals accountable for their actions and prevent further harm. The sheriff emphasized that the charges against Erickson were for attempted rape, underscoring the significance of the collaborative efforts in averting a potentially more devastating outcome.
This incident serves as a reminder of the trust society places in schools to provide a safe environment for children. Any violation of this trust, such as the abuse of power by an authority figure, is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. It is crucial for students and parents alike to come forward and report any similar situations to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
As the story unfolds, it is vital for the community to address any concerns and support the healing process for the victim and her family. Schools must also take proactive measures to strengthen policies and procedures that protect students from potential predators. This case sheds light on the need for continuous vigilance and collaboration between schools, law enforcement, and families to safeguard children’s well-being.
By working together, schools and communities can create an environment that prioritizes child safety, actively addresses concerns, and holds accountable those who breach trust and exploit their positions of authority. The incident involving Daniel Erickson serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of constant awareness and consistent efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of our society – our children.
