The quiet village of Mishicot, Wisconsin, a close-knit community where trust in local institutions runs deep, was shaken to its core on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, when a beloved high school teacher and coach was arrested for alleged crimes that have left families reeling. Ryan Scott Schroeder, a 36-year-old physical education teacher and varsity coach at Mishicot High School, now sits in the Manitowoc County Jail, facing a litany of grave charges involving sexual misconduct with students. The accusations, which include second-degree sexual assault of a child, repeated sexual assault of the same child, sexual assault of a child by school staff, possession of child pornography, and child enticement, have sent shockwaves through the small town, where Schroeder was once seen as a role model.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Mishicot Police Department, launched an investigation after receiving reports of inappropriate behavior between Schroeder and students. Authorities have indicated that the alleged misconduct may have occurred over an extended period, potentially spanning from 2023 to 2025. Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre confirmed the timeline, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. Investigators gathered sufficient evidence to take Schroeder into custody, and he was formally arrested on Wednesday. The following day, during a bail hearing at the Manitowoc County Courthouse, a judge set a $150,000 cash bond, reflecting the severity of the charges and the perceived risk to the community.
Schroeder, a resident of Francis Creek, had been a fixture at Mishicot High School, where he taught physical education and coached both boys’ and girls’ cross country and track teams. His role placed him in close contact with students, fostering relationships built on trust and mentorship. The allegations, however, paint a starkly different picture, one that has left parents, students, and colleagues grappling with betrayal. The charges suggest not only physical violations but also the exploitation of his position as an educator, with accusations of possessing illicit materials and enticing minors adding further weight to the case.
In response to the arrest, Mishicot School District Superintendent Cory Erlandson addressed families and staff in a letter that conveyed both shock and resolve. He confirmed that the district received a report of the allegations on April 16 and immediately contacted law enforcement. Schroeder was placed on administrative leave and barred from school property, ensuring no further contact with students. Erlandson emphasized the district’s commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, though he noted that details would remain limited due to the sensitive nature of the case. His words echoed the community’s collective distress, acknowledging the deep unease felt by those who had placed their trust in the school.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office has called on the public to assist in the investigation, urging potential victims or witnesses to come forward. Authorities have provided multiple channels for reporting, including a direct line to Detective Nate Steber and an anonymous tip option through the P3 App. This appeal reflects a belief that the scope of Schroeder’s alleged actions may extend beyond the current charges, with investigators working to uncover the full extent of the misconduct.
As the case unfolds, the Mishicot community faces a painful reckoning. For a town where high school sports and education are pillars of daily life, the allegations against Schroeder strike at the heart of what residents hold dear. Parents are left questioning how such acts could go unnoticed, while students navigate the loss of a figure they once admired. The legal process will now take center stage, with Schroeder’s next court appearance looming as the community seeks answers and justice. In the meantime, Mishicot High School, under Erlandson’s leadership, is working to rebuild trust, offering support to those affected and reinforcing safeguards to prevent future tragedies. For now, the village waits, united in its resolve to heal but forever changed by the weight of these accusations.