Colorado Springs elementary school PE teacher arrested for internet sexual exploitation of a child

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A physical education teacher at a Colorado Springs elementary school was arrested Thursday morning for internet sexual exploitation of a child after an online sting conducted by the Durango Police Department.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, 34-year-old Joshua Silverthorn, a teacher at Monterey Elementary School, was taken into custody after an undercover operation on websites "with individuals interested in having sex with children."

The sting was conducted by Durango Police, and an undercover officer communicated with Silverthorn on one of those websites over the last two months. Law enforcement learned Silverthorn lives in Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Springs Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force got a warrant for his arrest.

Police said officers conducted searches at Silverthorn's home "and his place of work."

Police say Silverthorn works at Monterey, and Harrison District 2's website lists Joshua Silverthorn as a teacher at Monterey. District 2 said in a statement Thursday morning that Silverthorn was placed on administrative leave.

A spokesperson for D2 said a full background check was conducted for Silverthorn before he was hired, and there weren't any indications of prior "inappropriate behavior or criminal activity."

CSPD added the investigation is still active.

We're working on getting more information on this case. Check back for updates.

If you suspect a child is being sexually exploited online, you can report it by clicking here or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST.