By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
According to a press release issued on July 26 by the Whitewater Police Department, on July 22, 2022 at around 10 p.m., officers of the department responded to E. Clay Street and S. Wisconsin Street for a report of a male with a mental health emergency. The individual, identified as Anthony P. Hansen, 34, of Whitewater, was upon further investigation determined to have been in an ongoing sexual relationship with a minor. It was also found that Hansen was an employee of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD).
Whitewater Police Department staff swiftly began an investigation, and are working closely with WUSD staff as the investigation continues. Hansen was arrested, and a charge of Sexual Assault of a Child by a School Staff Person has been forwarded to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office. It was indicated that additional charges may be forwarded pending results of the investigation. The department did not release any details regarding the nature of the alleged relationship.
The police department expressed thanks to those who came forward to report their concerns, and strongly encouraged others who have information relevant to the case to contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555, option 4, or by contacting Detective Jacob Hintz directly at jhintz@whitewater-wi.gov. Anonymous tips may also be shared using P3Tips.com.
In a separate joint statement on July 26, the district and police said that Hansen was an employee in the district’s instructional technology department. “Although we cannot share further details at this time due to the ongoing investigation, the District takes this matter extremely seriously,” the statement said. “We are assisting the Whitewater Police Department’s investigation, and we encourage students and families who need extra support to contact the District for counseling services. Counselors will be available at Whitewater High School in the Student Services Office for any students who need extra support or someone to talk to on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00-3:00.”
