In a deeply troubling display that has parents and officials reeling, Eric Chapman, a 43-year-old teacher and baseball coach from Cortez High School in Phoenix, was seen grinning ear-to-ear during his virtual court appearance. The shocking courtroom behavior came after his arrest on multiple serious charges involving minors.
Chapman’s unsettling smile during Thursday’s hearing has only added to the community’s distress as details of the allegations continue to emerge. The married teacher now faces multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor—charges that have rocked the Phoenix school community.
The investigation into Chapman began on March 25 after the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a critical tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. What authorities discovered next left investigators deeply concerned.
According to court documents, Chapman admitted to sending inappropriate photographs to a minor online. Even more disturbing, he allegedly confessed to filming explicit content in various locations throughout the school campus and in his vehicle.
These interactions reportedly involved three students—two current and one former—with the youngest victim being just 16 years old. Authorities report Chapman met the victims through online dating applications.
During the court hearing, Ashley Stetson from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office emphasized particularly alarming aspects of the case. “What’s concerning to the state is when officers interviewed the suspect, he admitted to sexual acts happening as recently as last week,” Stetson stated during the proceedings.
“The state believes he is a danger to the community. 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,” she added. The judge set Chapman’s bond at $250,000 cash.
Authorities also discovered hundreds of explicit images and videos on Chapman’s electronic devices, some involving children as young as seven years old, according to reports from Fox 10 Phoenix.
The Glendale Union High School District wasted no time addressing the situation. In a statement to parents, officials confirmed Chapman has been relieved of all duties at Cortez High School.
“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,” the district statement read. “Upon learning of the allegations, school and district administration took immediate action. The teacher has been relieved of all duties.”
The district emphasized its commitment to student safety, noting: “The Glendale Union High School District takes these matters seriously and works closely with law enforcement to support their investigations and ensure student safety.”
The community’s reaction to Chapman’s arrest has been one of profound concern. Jilwanna Reed, mother of two students at Cortez High School, didn’t mince words when speaking to local media. “I think that is very, very disturbing,” she told Fox 10 after learning about the allegations.
Another parent expressed the growing anxiety many feel about school safety in today’s environment, telling reporters: “It’s scary in this day and age to send your kid to school, because you have no idea what’s going to happen.”
These sentiments reflect the heightened concerns among parents nationwide about who has access to their children in educational settings and the effectiveness of existing safeguards.
This disturbing case serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of robust screening processes and safety protocols within school systems. While the district has taken immediate action, the incident raises questions about how such behavior could have gone undetected.
Chapman’s role as both a teacher and coach put him in a significant position of trust and authority over students, making the allegations particularly troubling for parents and school administrators alike.
As the legal process moves forward, the community is left grappling with the unsettling image of Chapman’s courtroom smile—a reaction that seemed entirely disconnected from the gravity of the charges he faces.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and determine if there may be additional victims. Meanwhile, the school district has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement while maintaining its focus on supporting students during this difficult time.