Eric Curtis Chapman, a 43-year-old teacher and former head baseball coach at Cortez High School, was arrested April 16 on multiple charges related to sexual conduct and exploitation of minors, according to court documents and police reports.
The investigation began March 25 after the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Authorities identified Chapman through a social media provider as having sent nude photos of himself to a minor online. After obtaining a search warrant, police accessed his social media accounts and confirmed his employment at Cortez High School in Phoenix.
Chapman admitted during questioning to using a social media account to film sexual interactions with two current students and a former student in various locations on the school campus. He also acknowledged downloading and preserving several hundred images and videos depicting sexual exploitation of minors.
Following the allegations, Chapman was relieved of his coaching duties by the Arizona Interscholastic Association and removed from his teaching position by the Glendale Union High School District. The district released a statement affirming their cooperation with law enforcement and commitment to student safety but declined to provide further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Chapman is currently held on a $250,000 cash bond. He faces multiple counts including sexual conduct with a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor, as outlined in court documents.
The Glendale Union High School District urged parents and the community to remain vigilant and thanked them for their continued support during the investigation.
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