Bethel Elementary School Principal Chris Carmichael has been charged with attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
In the early hours of Dec. 11, FBI agents from the Child Exploitation Task Force arrested Carmichael, while agents raided his elementary school office and confiscated his computers.
Bethel Police first alerted the FBI of Carmichael’s online activities in November 2019. During the FBI’s investigation, Carmichael engaged in graphical sexual communication with an undercover agent posing as a fictional 13-year-old girl.
The complaint alleges that Carmichael described in graphic detail the sexual acts that he would do to the fictional 13-year-old. The complaint also alleges that he reminded the fictional 13-year-old to delete her messages and to refer to herself as an 18-year-old.
Carmichael remains in federal custody, awaiting his initial court appearance. If convicted, Carmichael faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison.
The following resources are available to community members for emotional support during this time:
- LKSD Lead Social Worker: (907) 543-4874 or (907) 545-4429
- Bethel Family Clinic: (907) 543-3773
- YKHC Behavioral Health Department: (907) 543-6100
Additionally, any person with information regarding the criminal investigation of Carmichael is encouraged to contact the FBI at (907) 276-4441.