A Cottonwood elementary school teacher and youth coach is behind bars after Yavapai County detectives say a years-old allegation of child molestation led to his arrest. Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Chester Cox and say he was booked into a county detention facility on multiple child sex charges, held without bond while the investigation continues. Detectives say the victim, now 18, reported abuse that allegedly happened when he was about 11.
Investigation and arrest
According to investigators, the case broke open when the mother of the now-18-year-old approached a deputy at her church and reported that her son had been molested as a child. Detectives then spent several days building what they describe as probable cause that led them to Cox.
Cox was arrested on three counts of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of molesting a child, then booked into the Yavapai County Detention Center, where he remains held without bond. Investigators told reporters the alleged abuse happened at a private residence and that the victim was never enrolled at the school where Cox teaches. The sheriff’s office called crimes against children “devastating offenses” and praised the family for coming forward, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
School and community ties
The school cited in reports is Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary, where Cox is listed among staff. Investigators said he has lived in Cottonwood for about nine years.
Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary is part of the Cottonwood-Oak Creek district and lists its address as 1500 S Monte Tesoro Dr in Cottonwood on the district site. The campus serves students in pre-K through eighth grade, according to Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary.
What authorities are asking
The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is active and that additional information from the public could be crucial. Anyone with details related to the case is asked to call the department at 928-771-3260.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the regional tip line at 1-800-932-3232, according to Yavapai Silent Witness.
Next steps and legal notes
These allegations have not yet been proven in court, and Cox is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty through the legal process.
The charges listed by investigators, including sexual conduct with a minor and molestation of a child, are felony offenses under Arizona law. For more on how those crimes are defined, see A.R.S. 13-1405 and A.R.S. 13-1410.
