Emporia State University professor is charged with felony child abuse

JOHNSON COUNTY — Emporia State University has placed a professor on leave following an arrest for alleged sex crimes against children.

According to online jail records, Howard Pitler, 72, was booked into the Johnson County Jail on Wednesday on a requested charge of electronic solicitation of a child under 14 years old. He complied with the requirements of a $25,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

According to Emporia State, “Upon learning of Howard Pitler’s arrest, the university responded immediately and placed Pitler on leave. Because of our rich tradition as a leading teaching college, the care and safety of students of all ages is of the utmost importance.” Pitler taught as an adjunct professor of school leadership, middle and secondary teacher education at Teachers College. “Emporia State will cooperate fully with authorities in their ongoing investigation.”

Pitler is scheduled to return to court Oct. 31, according to online jail records.