Hidden cameras found in school bathroom, classroom of Arizona teacher already suspected of child molestation

COTTONWOOD, Ariz. - A Cottonwood elementary school teacher already facing child molestation charges now faces even more felony offenses after authorities discovered hidden cameras placed inside his elementary school classroom and, even more disturbingly, an attached school restroom.

What we know:

Chester Cox, 31, was booked on new charges including sexual exploitation of a minor and surreptitious videotaping following a digital forensics investigation, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday. The discovery stems from an ongoing investigation into Cox, who was initially arrested in June on multiple child sexual abuse charges.

Detectives executing a search warrant on Cox's electronic devices uncovered secret video recordings taken inside Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School, where Cox taught for roughly seven years. According to investigators, hidden recording devices were placed in areas under his control, including his classroom and a private, single-use connected bathroom. Multiple minor children were captured on video and appeared completely unaware they were being recorded.

What they're saying:

Sheriff's officials said that based on the evidence reviewed so far, there is no indication the recorded material was distributed. Detectives have contacted all impacted families to provide victim rights information and support resources, while acknowledging cooperation from the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District throughout the "extremely serious … case."

The backstory:

Cox was originally taken into custody in June after a mother reported that Cox had molested her son years earlier, when the victim was 11 or 12 years old. Cox, who also served as a local youth coach, remains held at the Yavapai County Detention Center without bond.

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