Bethel elementary school principal faces new charge of child porn possession

A Bethel elementary school principal accused of fondling a former student and sending sexual messages to an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl is now facing an additional charge of possession of child pornography.

Christopher Carmichael, 55, was arrested Dec. 10 after an investigation by Bethel police, Alaska State Troopers and the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. He was principal of Gladys Jung Elementary School and has been with the Lower Kuskokwim School District for 19 years.

According to charges, Carmichael had an ongoing sexual relationship with a former student. He inappropriately touched the girl on many occasions after she graduated from the elementary school, the charges said.

The elementary school has about 330 students in third through sixth grade, according to superintendent Dan Walker.

Carmichael also sent graphic sexual messages to an undercover FBI agent posing as a 13-year-old girl, at one point saying he wanted to meet and engage in sexual activity with her, according to the charges.

Carmichael “admitted to having a sexual attraction to children,” especially those “who are beginning puberty or pubescent,” charges said.

The newest charge against Carmichael said he knowingly possessed sexual images of a child under age 12. Chloe Martin, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, said investigators found a thumb drive that they believed contained child pornography during a search of Carmichael’s home, person and office.

Carmichael is also facing charges of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

Carmichael worked as a teacher in Quinhagak in 2000 and was later a principal in Goodnews Bay. He became principal of Gladys Jung Elementary School in 2014.

Carmichael appeared in federal court Tuesday and is being held without bond. Federal prosecutor Kyle Reardon said after court Tuesday that the investigation is still ongoing. He urged anyone with information about the case to contact the FBI.

“We are looking at this from all angles,” Martin said.

Carmichael’s next court hearing is scheduled for Friday.