On Thursday, 35-year-old Kyle Ritsema, an assistant principal at Cypress Creek Middle School, faced a judge who, after viewing evidence against him involving allegations of child porn, described him as a "wolf in sheep's clothing."
U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda Sansone had some strong words when describing why she did not grant Ritsema's request for bail. After viewing evidence, she said his behavior was “systematic and systemic” describing him as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
This came after Ritsema’s defense was trying to persuade Sansone to let him stay at his grandmother’s home or with his mother at his own home.
But the prosecuting attorney argued due to the severity of the crimes and evidence of Ritsema’s predatory actions that he would pose a danger to the community and be a flight risk.
The judge sided with the prosecution.
Ritsema faces multiple charges including possession, production and distribution of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
As Ritsema waits for trial, he is currently on paid administrative leave. But the superintendent intends to recommend that the school board suspend him without pay at their Feb. 20 board meeting. Only the board can suspend someone without pay and it has to be a notice board meeting.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office said of Homeland Security's involvement in the matter that investigating child exploitation is part of HSI's mission.
According to the federal criminal complaint against Ritsema, an investigation into another individual involving child porn revealed a series of text messages sent between that person and Ritsema. Federal investigators say the texts were exchanged during a span between 2014 and 2016.
The two texted about their shared sexual interests in children, federal investigators say, and the texts grew increasingly explicit.
In March 2015, Ritsema texted nude images of a 14-year-old boy to the other person, the affidavit said.
A search warrant was served and Ritsema was interviewed by federal agents at the school on Tuesday.
Ritsema told investigators he had texted the other person, according to the criminal complaint.
He also admitted to taking photos of the boy, who he said told him he was 18, according to the affidavit, and Ritsema told investigators he and the boy had "hooked up."
If found guilty, Ritsema could face over a decade in prison because producing child porn comes with a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
