Maricopa County is reeling from the news of a teacher's indictment on charges of sexual conduct with minors. According to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Eric Curtis Chapman has been indicted on multiple counts alleging sexual misconduct involving children. Chapman, whose date of birth is listed as November 1981, faces a total of 20 counts.
The events unfolded when Phoenix Police were tipped off by a social media provider's alert to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning online enticement of what appeared to be an account owned by a minor. The indictment that followed includes nine counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor and ten counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Each charge falls under the classification of a Class Two Felony, and the exploitation charges carry the additional weight of being labeled Dangerous Crimes Against Children.
Chapman's legal troubles began in earnest earlier this month when he was arrested. Law enforcement has identified multiple victims through their investigation. Chapman is currently being held in jail, with the court setting a $250,000 cash bond—a price that dictates the full amount must be posted for the accused to gain release from incarceration.
"A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty," the County Attorney's Office reminded the public in their official press release. Chapman now awaits the judicial process, one that shadows the lives of those alleged to have been in harm's way, as much as it will determine the fate of the accused.
