A 61-year-old Chattanooga man who once served as assistant principal at Dade Elementary School is behind bars after police say a search of his home turned up digital evidence and sexual paraphernalia tied to a child sexual exploitation investigation. William “Billy” Broom now faces one count of solicitation of a minor-aggravated statutory rape, and investigators say he admitted to taking part in sexually obscene conversations with minors.
Chattanooga Police Department Narcotics/Vice investigators carried out the search warrant at Broom’s residence Thursday night as part of the broader child sexual exploitation investigation, according to newschannel9.com. During that search, investigators found digital evidence and sexual paraphernalia inside the home, the outlet reported. Broom was arrested and booked into the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
Admission to Obscene Conversations With Minors
Police say Broom admitted to participating in sexually obscene conversations with minors, a detail the station’s report attaches directly to investigators’ account of the case. That admission, paired with the evidence collected from his home, led to the single felony charge now filed against him. Per the same account, no additional charges have been confirmed at this point.
Broom’s past role inside the local school system has drawn particular attention to the case. Local 3 News reports that Broom previously worked as assistant principal at Dade Elementary School and resigned from that position in 2020.
What Police Are Asking of the Public
Investigators have not detailed what led them to Broom’s home or how long the broader exploitation investigation had been underway before Thursday’s search. Police are asking anyone with additional information about the case or the suspect to call 423-698-2525 as the effort to identify potential additional victims continues.
