The arrest of Eric Curtis Chapman, a 43-year-old teacher and former head baseball coach at Cortez High School in Phoenix, has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving parents, students, and school officials grappling with the betrayal of trust by someone in a position of authority. On April 16, 2025, Chapman was taken into custody by Phoenix police, facing 18 felony charges, including 11 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and seven counts of sexual conduct with a minor. The allegations, detailed in court documents and police reports, paint a disturbing picture of predatory behavior that exploited vulnerable students, some as young as 16, over an extended period.
The investigation into Chapman’s actions began on March 25, 2025, when the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a critical tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Authorities discovered that Chapman had been interacting with a minor online through a social media platform, allegedly sending nude photographs of himself. This revelation prompted a swift response from law enforcement, who obtained a search warrant to access Chapman’s social media accounts. What they uncovered was deeply troubling: evidence that Chapman had engaged in sexual interactions with at least three students—two currently enrolled at Cortez High School and one former student from another high school. During questioning, Chapman reportedly admitted to filming these encounters in various locations, including his classroom, the coach’s locker room, his personal vehicle, and even an alley near one victim’s home. The crimes are believed to have occurred between 2020 and early April 2025, with one incident reported as recently as the week before his arrest.
Court documents reveal that Chapman met his victims through adult dating apps, raising serious questions about how he gained access to minors through platforms intended for adults. Prosecutors disclosed during his initial court appearance on April 17 that more than 100 files containing child sexual abuse material were found on Chapman’s phone and computer, further compounding the severity of the charges. The graphic nature of the evidence, combined with Chapman’s admissions to police, has left the community reeling. Ashley Stetson, a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, emphasized the ongoing nature of the crimes, noting Chapman’s acknowledgment of recent sexual acts during his court hearing. He is currently being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond, reflecting the gravity of the allegations.
The Glendale Union High School District, which oversees Cortez High School, responded promptly to the arrest. In a letter to parents, district officials confirmed that Chapman had been relieved of all duties and emphasized their cooperation with law enforcement to ensure student safety. The district’s statement underscored the seriousness with which they view the allegations, though they refrained from sharing further details due to the active police investigation. Parents and students, however, have expressed profound disgust and disbelief. Many are struggling to reconcile the image of Chapman as a trusted educator and coach with the heinous acts he is accused of committing.
The case has sparked broader conversations about the safety measures in place to protect students from predators within schools. Community members are calling for increased oversight of teacher-student interactions and stricter vetting processes for educators. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine if there are additional victims, urging anyone with information to come forward. For now, the focus remains on supporting the affected students and rebuilding trust in a community shaken by this betrayal.
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