Former Husson University assistant professor facing child sex abuse materials, violation of privacy charges

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) — A former Husson University assistant professor was arrested Friday on charges of possession of child sexual abuse material and violation of privacy, according to the Bangor Police Department.

Jonathan Houck, 33, of Bangor, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant and transported to the Penobscot County Jail. He is charged with six counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and four counts of violation of privacy.

Investigation sparked by cybertip from Dropbox

Court records show Dropbox alerted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an account associated with Houck’s username had uploaded four sexually exploitative images involving children under 16. The report alleges the uploads took place between late 2020 and June 2026.

Investigators who reviewed the material said they discovered videos featuring an adult male performing sex acts with young girls. Prosecutors said the man was not Houck.

Investigation and searches of Bangor home, campus

On Sept. 21, as part of an investigation into Houck for dissemination or possession of sexually explicit material, Bangor police searched his Pearl Street home and his campus office at Husson University. Court documents say investigators seized dozens of items from both locations.

Police say the searches led to evidence of additional violation of privacy crimes.

At the time of the search, Houck was working as an assistant professor of exercise science and assistant cross country coach at Husson. His biography has been removed from the university’s website.

Prosecutor, university officials weigh in

“This is a person who was in a position of trust. And I think that really elevates things because victims are not suspecting someone like a professor,” Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Lynds said. “It really shakes the confidence of the community when someone in a position like this commits such a predatory act. And that is just very unfortunate. And it really elevates the seriousness of this case.”

University communications director Sarah Walker Caron said the faculty member involved in the investigation was escorted from campus and “relieved of his duties” within an hour of their learning of the investigation on Sept. 21. She said the university will continue to comply with all law enforcement.

“Husson University is deeply disturbed by Jonathan Houck’s alleged conduct,” Walker Caron said.

In an email obtained by WABI, Husson President Lynn Coy-Ogan said the university was “made aware of a small group of students who were believed to be impacted, and they have been notified and provided appropriate support.”

Alleged victim speaks out

One of those students came forward in a TikTok.

“He already took all of that from me. I’m not going to let him take my name, too. So, that being said, my name is Abigail Dudley, and I am one of God knows how many victims of Jonathan Houck.”

Abigail Dudley said she learned this week that her images were among those found on Houck’s devices. She said that as part of an assignment last year, Houck asked students to undress and weigh themselves in a room with an apparent hidden camera.

“Just know that I feel disgusted every time I wake up in the morning,” Dudley said in the video. “I am terrified to walk into school. I look everywhere for cameras. I can’t even use the bathroom here. [...] I wouldn’t say that I expected it from him, you know, he was my advisor, professor, someone I looked up to and trusted,” she said.

Dudley’s attorney, Star Wagner with Bigos Law, issued a statement to WABI on her behalf. Wagner said Houck “could not have carried out this betrayal without being placed in a position of authority within the classroom.”

Wagner’s statement continued: “Husson caused an unfathomable breach of trust against Abigail Dudley, other Husson students, and the broader community. Students place their trust in educational institutions to provide a safe learning environment, and that trust was violated here.

“Serious questions must be answered regarding Husson’s role in allowing this abuse to occur. We are grateful to law enforcement for the investigation that brought this atrocity to light and will continue to cooperate in their efforts.”

“As always, our primary concern is that the needs of our students are met and that the continuity of the education is maintained,” Walker Caron added.

What’s next for the case

Houck is being held at the Penobscot County Jail. His profile on the jail’s website shows bail is set at $50,000 cash.

He’s expected to make his first court appearance next week.