Elementary school teacher accused of molestation allegedly hid cameras in class bathroom

COTTONWOOD, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) — An Arizona elementary school teacher already accused of molesting a boy years ago is now facing a new set of disturbing allegations.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that Chester Cox, 31, installed hidden cameras in his classroom and connected bathroom at Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School in Cottonwood.

Several children were secretly recorded in both rooms without their knowledge, deputies said. That footage was found on Cox’s electronic devices, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators said they found no evidence the footage had been shared.

Authorities first began investigating Cox in June when a woman reported he had molested her son when the boy was 11 or 12 years old. The report ultimately led to Cox’s arrest on charges of sexual conduct with a minor and child molestation.

Authorities said the alleged abuse occurred at a home, not the school, and that the victim was not one of Cox’s students. At the time, Cox was working as a youth coach.

The investigation led them to search Cox’s electronics, where deputies said they found the videos.

Cox was booked on additional charges of surreptitious videotaping and sexual exploitation of a minor.

The sheriff’s office said deputies have provided resources and victims’ rights information to all of the affected families.

According to deputies, Cox previously lived in Missouri and has lived in Cottonwood for eight to nine years. He taught at Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary for about seven of those years.

Cox is being held without bond.