VIRGINIA, MN — In a shocking turn of events, Christopher John Chad, 51, the dean of students at Rock Ridge High School in Eveleth, Minnesota, was arrested by St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday night on a warrant issued by Fulton County, Georgia. The charges include sending sexually explicit images and messages to a minor in the Atlanta area, receiving child sexual abuse material online, and describing “grooming” the juvenile.
According to court filings, Chad is expected to make a local court appearance for extradition proceedings. Sgt. Eric Sathers from St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they are also continuing a local investigation for his alleged receipt of abuse material, with no evidence found of any local victims.
The communications between Chad and the minor allegedly occurred while he was at work, with identifying details traced back to his Eveleth home. Superintendent Noel Schmidt wrote in a letter to staff and families that they understand this news is deeply concerning and reassured them that their safety and well-being remain their highest priority.
Multiple tips were referred to local law enforcement by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on March 5, leading to warrants being executed at Rock Ridge High School and Chad’s home and car by St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Lake Superior Forensic Technology and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Chad was placed on administrative leave when his office was searched on March 6, and he “will not be permitted on school property as the legal process unfolds.” While there is no belief that any Rock Ridge students were involved in these incidents, counselors are available to support pupils struggling with this news.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News