Phoenix high school teacher accused of child sex crimes

PHOENIX - A Phoenix area teacher accused of engaging in sexual acts with at least three students has been arrested.

What we know:

According to court documents, 43-year-old Eric Curtis Chapman, a teacher at Cortez High School in Phoenix, is accused of multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor, as well as multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

In court documents, investigators wrote that Chapman was "identified through a social media service provider as having interacted with a minor online." They also say he sent inappropriate pictures of himself to that profile.

Eventually, Chapman was detained by Phoenix Police on the morning of April 16, before he returned to campus.

"After acknowledging his Miranda rights, Chapman admitted to the use of the social media account and to having filmed sexual interactions on his high school campus, in his classrooms, and in the coach locker room, as well as within his personal vehicle," read a portion of the court documents. "Chapman identified two current male students, both minors, and one former student who is now an adult male."

Police did not identify the three alleged victims by name, but did mention that Chapman claimed to have met each of them through adult dating apps. In court on April 17, a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said two of Chapman's victims are current students, and one is a former student at a different high school. The youngest victim is 16 years old.

Court documents also contain graphic descriptions of what allegedly happened, but did mention that Chapman admitted to engaging in sexual contact with one of the victims as recently as a week prior to his arrest.

Dig deeper:

Prosecutors said the crimes happened on campus in Chapman's car, and more than 100 files of child sexual abuse material were found on his phone and computer.

"What’s concerning to the state is when officers interviewed the suspect, he admitted to sexual acts happening as recently as last week," said Ashley Stetson with the Maricopa County Attorney's office, during Chapman's court appearance on April 17. "The state believes he is a danger to the community."

In court, prosecutors pushed for a high, cash-only bond.

"As well as his position as a coach and a teacher, he is in a position of trust, and the state believes that a higher bond is appropriate," Stetson said.

Ultimately, a judge set a $250,000 bond for Chapman.

What's next:

Eric Chapman

School district issues statement

The Glendale Union High School District released the following statement on Chapman's arrest to parents:

"We are writing to inform you that Cortez High School administration was notified by the Phoenix Police Department that one of our teachers was arrested on charges related to crimes against children.

Upon learning of the allegations, school and district administration took immediate action. The teacher has been relieved of all duties. The Glendale Union High School District takes these matters seriously and works closely with law enforcement to support their investigations and ensure student safety.

As this is an active police investigation, we are unable to share further details. Thank you for your continued partnership and support."

School community reacts to Chapman's arrest

We spoke with parents and students on April 17, and they were disgusted to hear about the allegations, particularly due to the details police released.

What they're saying:

"I think that is very, very disturbing," said Jilwanna Reed, who is the mother of two high school students.

"It's scary in this day and age to send your kid to school, because you have no idea what's going to happen," said another parent.

Map of Cortez High School