School worker arrested on child porn charges

A Wayland Union Schools worker is on administrative leave after he was arrested this week on child-pornography charges.
Michael John Batt, 35, of Jenison, was arrested after a state police investigation into his online activity, police said.
He was arraigned Thursday, Sept. 23, in Hudsonville District Court on two counts of producing child sexually abusive material, four counts of aggravated distribution of child sexually abusive material, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime, police said.
Schools Superintendent Tim Reeves said in a statement that Batt has been placed on administrative leave and is banned from school property.
Reeves said the district has received no information that the alleged crimes involved students or other staff. The schools were informed that the alleged crimes occurred off school property.
“While the issues do not involve the district, we have high expectations for the conduct of our employees and expect employees to engage in professional behaviors that reflect the mission and values of our community,” Reeves said.
“When behaviors are not aligned with district expectations, we will take all appropriate action, which may include disciplinary action or termination.”
Reeves said the district is cooperating with the state police investigation. Batt worked as a network supervisor for the district.
Batt was arrested after an undercover investigation by the state police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. State police also searched his home and recovered undisclosed evidence.