EASTON, Pa. — A former Easton Area High School resource officer was sentenced Wednesday to nine to 24 months in county prison after pleading guilty to sending an explicit image to a 16-year-old student.
Northampton County Judge Jennifer Sletvold sentenced John Smoke, 45, to nine to 24 months, minus two days, in the county prison, according to a news release from county District Attorney Stephen Baratta.
Smoke had been free on $50,000 unsecured bail since April 2024. The sentence includes three years’ probation after Smoke’s prison sentence is completed.
Smoke served with the Palmer Township Police Department. During a court hearing, he admitted that in October, he sent a sexually explicit photo to the student and engaged in an explicit FaceTime call from his school office.
The student recorded the encounter and later reported it to school officials.
The incident prompted an investigation beginning in October 2024. Smoke was charged with corruption of minors and placed on administrative leave. Authorities seized his badge, firearm, personal phone, and school-issued computer.
The Palmer Township Police Department confirmed that Smoke turned in his badge and weapon and remains suspended pending formal termination.
Prosecutors did not indicate whether any other victims had come forward and said the case appears to be “isolated.”
Officials said the case has sparked internal discussions about safeguarding students and preventing future misconduct by those in authority.
The district attorney’s office and school leaders emphasized the seriousness of the incident and said related policies would be reviewed.
