A longtime school dental hygienist was indicted in South Carolina on U.S. charges that she allegedly possessed child sex abuse material that depicted babies and toddlers, according to a story recently published on WMBF News.
U.S. marshals arrested LouAnn Hohl, 67, of Myrtle Beach, SC, on August 14. Hohl, who worked as a certified school dental hygienist for the Reading School District in Pennsylvania for decades, was indicted on August 11 on charges of possession of child sex abuse material and conspiracy to receive and distribute child sex abuse material depicting babies and toddlers, according to the story.
Hohl’s boyfriend, John Padgett, 65, of Colleton County, SC, was indicted for the same offenses, according to the story.
LouAnn Hohl.LinkedIn.
In November 2025, Hohl and Padgett allegedly exchanged text messages in which he told her he wanted to "help" her "develop an interest in child sexual abuse material." Hohl was allegedly receptive, according to the story.
Authorities claim that Hohl and Padgett engaged in sexually explicit role-play conversations, which emulated sexual abuse, according to the story.
In February 2026, Padgett allegedly gave Hohl a thumb drive containing visual depictions of child sex abuse, including material showing a child under age 12. Hohl reportedly possessed the files while living in Myrtle Beach, according to the story.
In a motion for bond, Hohl’s attorney argued that she did not seek out the material voluntarily and that she worked directly with children during her long history of working in education and dental hygiene. Hohl was never accused of engaging in misconduct with a child during her professional life, according to the story.
On August 18, Hohl was released from custody after being granted a personal recognizance bond.
As the lead dental hygienist at the Reading School District, Hohl implemented its hygienist services program. The program included dental evaluations and education for more than 18,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12. Hohl worked at the district since 1981, according to Hohl’s LinkedIn profile.
It is unclear if she worked as a dental hygienist in South Carolina.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
