Elementary School Teacher Arrested For Molestation

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Chester Cox of Cottonwood following an investigation into allegations of child molestation that were reported years after the incidents occurred.

The investigation began when the mother of an 18-year-old male disclosed to a deputy at her church that her son had been molested by an adult male when he was approximately 11 to 12 years old.

Over the course of several days, detectives conducted an extensive investigation and determined that the suspect was a Teacher at Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School. It was found that the abuse did not occur on school grounds, that the incidents took place at a private residence, and that the victim was not enrolled in the suspect’s school. It was also determined that the suspect serves as a youth coach in the community and that he did not meet the victim through his employment at the school.

After gathering evidence, detectives established probable cause and identified the suspect as 31-year-old Chester Cox of Cottonwood. Cox was arrested and booked into the Yavapai County Detention Center on three counts of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of molestation of a child. He is currently being held without bond. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Investigators determined that Cox has lived in Cottonwood for approximately eight to nine years and has been employed as a teacher at Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School for approximately seven years. Prior to relocating to Arizona, he resided in Missouri.

Crimes against children are devastating offenses that can have lasting impacts on survivors and their families. From the moment this report was received, YCSO deputies and detectives acted swiftly to investigate the allegations and secure an arrest. We commend the courage of the survivor and the individual who came forward to report this abuse.

Anyone with additional information related to this case, the suspect, or any other case involving victims of sexual abuse or child molestation crimes is encouraged to contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232.