A Salt Lake County school employee has been arrested on allegations of sexually exploiting minors, according to multiple reports. Erik Phillip Roan, 31, faces four second-degree felony counts connected to the possession and distribution of child sex abuse material, as KUTV reported. The charges come after a tip from a social media company led to a broader investigation. Roan was taken into custody and worked for the school at the time of his arrest.
Authorities were reportedly tipped off about Roan's activities in June 2024, leading them to thoroughly investigate the uploaded materials and eventually identify his location in Salt Lake County. Despite his role at the school and his involvement with young children, there is no indication that Roan’s illegal activities were connected to the school's students or staff. Roan's arrest was the result of a correlation between social media account activities and a report filed to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), as ABC4 detailed, leading investigators to more definitively link the account to him after executing several search warrants and court orders.
Following Roan's apprehension, the Salt Lake County Jail became his temporary residence, where he awaits further legal proceedings for the charges brought against him. Legal documentation affirms that investigators found incriminating files on Roan's phone sent from the social media account in question, as mentioned by ABC4.
The Guadalupe Center, where Roan was employed, quickly distanced themselves from the disturbing revelation and took decisive action by terminating Roan's employment. According to KSLTV, the Guadalupe Center assured the public that "We are not aware of any connection between Mr. Roan’s illegal activities and our students, staff, or any other part of the organization." They reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and well-being of students and the community while providing a contact for questions and concerns.
