GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – A Catholic school teacher has been arrested on charges of molestation.
The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) says on Thursday they arrested 46-year-old Christoper Charles Chell, a teacher at St. Patrick Interparish School, for lewd and lascivious molestation as the result of an investigation.
GPD says the investigation revealed that Chell “gained the trust of several middle school girls” and abused his position as their Physical Education teacher and coach. They say for several months, he engaged in a “pattern of behavior” that “escalated from inappropriate touching to criminal acts,” shared GPD in a Facebook post.
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According to Alachua County court records, GPD charged Chell with ten counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim between the age of 12 to 16.
Alachua County court records also show Chell was also charged with battery in 2000.
Due to the nature of Chell’s crimes, detectives believe there are possibly more victims. They are asking anyone with any information regarding the incident or know any other victims to contact them at 352-393-7734.