The case against a Higginsville man accused of sexual contact with a student and possessing child pornography is scheduled for a jury trial in May.

Court records indicate that a trial of 43-year-old James Looney is scheduled for May 20-22, 2026 in Lafayette County, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for the afternoon of April 20. Prosecutors accuse Looney of engaging in sexual acts with a 16-year-old student at the high school where he worked as a janitor, as well as exchanging explicit photos and videos. The probable cause statement alleges that Looney also communicated with a 15-year-old student through social media, sending explicit photos to her and seeking photos from her. Looney is also accused of attempting to get social media contact information from a 13-year-old in March while the two were in a janitor’s closet.

Looney was arrested later in the month by Higginsville Police and charged with possession of child pornography, sexual contact with a student, and tampering with physical evidence, along with misdemeanors for sexual misconduct. He remains behind bars with no bond allowed.

If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, you’re strongly encouraged to call the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect hotline at 800-392-3738. You can also make a report through the Department of Social Services’ website.