UPDATE: Ex-Foley magistrate accused of trading THC-laced vapes for photos of underage girls released on $100K bond
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UPDATE (4:44 p.m.) Police call 78-year-old Joe Bischoff a “predator.”

He is free on a $100,000 bond after being charged with providing THC-laced vapes to a minor in exchange for what police call “favors:” photos and videos of underage children.

“He is well known in the city,” said Foley Police Lt. Tony Fuqua.

“Over the last 20-30 years, he did photography for baseball teams, softball teams, he did all that, and he was a part-time magistrate here years ago.”

A parent going through a child’s phone discovered text messages, allegedly between Bischoff and the child, and notified the police. That led to warrants being served at Bischoff’s home on Pedigo Ave.

“Not surprising at all, just from all the stories that we have all heard,” said Cheryl Ann, a neighbor who said the police stayed for hours at Bischoff’s house. “Other neighbors had watched them take boxes out, so we knew it was something big at that point.”

Cell phones, computers, and other digital equipment were seized.

“We think there are other possible victims out there, but right now we don’t have any proof of that,” said Fuqua.

Police believe Bischoff not only targeted underage children but adults, too.

Meanwhile, conditions of Bischoff’s release on bond include an ankle monitor and no contact with minors or the alleged victim in this case.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the police.

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FOLEY, Ala. (WKRG) — A former Foley magistrate has been arrested after he allegedly admitted to trading THC-laced vapes for pictures of underage girls, according to Foley Police Department officials.

Officials said the investigation into Joseph Bischoff began last week after a parent contacted the FPD.

Bischoff allegedly told police there was at least one incident of him trading vapes for pictures.

Joseph Bischoff mugshot, placed on a blue background with the WKRG.com logo
A mugshot of Joseph Bischoff (Foley Police Department)

His bond hearing was held Saturday, where a judge set Bischoff’s bond at $100,000.

Bischoff is charged with selling and providing controlled substances to a minor.

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