Wichita math teacher arrested on suspicion of child pornography

A Wichita Northeast Magnet math teacher has been arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography, authorities said.

Steve Thompson, 62, was arrested Friday in Wichita in connection with an investigation in Garden City that spanned more than two years, according to a statement released by the Garden City Police Department.

The investigation was launched on Sept. 29, 2013, after child pornography was discovered on Thompson’s work computer on the campus of Garden City Community College, Capt. Randy Ralston said in the statement. The ensuing investigation included search warrants issued and conducted for Thompson’s residence, vehicles and computer equipment.

Thompson was arrested at Harry and South Willow Oak Street outside the city limits of Wichita, records show. He is being held on suspicion of three counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Thompson started teaching at Northeast Magnet in August 2015, said district spokeswoman Susan Arensman. He is suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation, she said.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 9:26 AM with the headline "Wichita math teacher arrested on suspicion of child pornography."