Former Bethel elementary school principal Chris Carmichael’s trial has been rescheduled. It is now set for Oct. 5.
According to court documents, the trial was originally scheduled for Feb. 18. However, Carmichael’s attorney said that was not enough time to prepare a defense and requested a continuance. Prosecution did not object, and the court granted the extension.
FBI agents arrested Chris Carmichael in Bethel on Dec. 11, 2019. This was after at least three minors reported that Carmichael had behaved inappropriately.
Before his arrest, law enforcement agents posing as a minor messaged Carmichael online for months. In these exchanges, court documents show that Carmichael graphically detailed sexual acts he wanted to perform with the person he believed was a minor.
A federal grand jury charged him with two counts of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.
Carmichael has been released from jail to a transitional living facility in Anchorage. The terms of his release require him to wear a GPS device, and he is restricted from accessing the internet.