In a disturbing turn of events, Joe Kinney, the principal of Buckeye Union High School has been accused of attempting to ensnare a child through an online platform. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, court documents reveal an FBI investigation where Kinney allegedly engaged in inappropriate conversations with an undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old girl.

The principal's interaction commenced on Whisper, an anonymous social media application. It was here that Kinney is claimed to have asked the "girl" to undress and get into her bed, persisting, even after she informed him of her age, said court papers. His subsequent arrest occurred following the FBI's ability to trace the communications back to him, and a forensic analysis of his iPhone indicated that the Whisper app was deleted just before Kinney was stopped in a traffic violation.

In a statement acquired by ABC15, the Buckeye Union High School District confirmed that Kinney has been placed on administrative leave. "The Buckeye Union High School District has been informed that BUHS Principal Mr. Joe Kinney is under law enforcement investigation for a personal matter unrelated to his work with the school or district," the statement outlined.

While Kinney did admit to speaking with individuals who presented themselves as minors, he claimed that he believed these interactions were merely fantasy chat and role playing. Despite his assertions, Kinney is charged with a count of luring a minor for sexual exploitation, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. Should he post the $60,000 bond set by the judge, he must submit to electronic monitoring and will be prohibited from having contact with minors or accessing the internet, without exceptions.

Joe Kinney's preliminary hearing is set for September 12. Meanwhile, Kristin Koke, the school's current Assistant Principal of Academics, has stepped up to assume Kinney's former responsibilities.