Latest news with #KellyMcEachran
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Former Hope Christian School teacher to remain behind bars through trial
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A former Hope Christian Elementary School teacher was ordered Wednesday to remain in jail until his trial. The former teacher and dean of discipline at the private Christian school is accused of sexually abusing two female students. During Wednesday's hearing, Kelly McEachran's wife and friends attempted to persuade the court to grant him release until the trial. Story continues below News: Ruidoso flash floods lead to several swift water rescue operations Trending: New Mexico State Police explain middle of the night cell phone alert Community: What's happening in New Mexico July 18-24? Route 66 Summerfest and more Sports: Eck ready to build for the future, Mendenhall provides clarification on UNM departure Ann McEachran, his wife, expressed her support, stating, 'He's kind, he's tender, he's loving.' McEachran is being accused of inappropriately touching two former students—one during the current school year and the other during the 2016-2017 school year. When asked if she was aware of any past allegations, Ann McEachran stated, 'Just the one …just the one with the restraining order.' The prosecution argued that Kelly should remain in jail until trial, highlighting that McEachran was allowed access to the school even after the allegations surfaced. Prosecutor Savannah Skye Brandenburg-Koch said, 'So the school was still allowing the defendant, even though he's supposed to be on leave, to still be at the school and attending sporting events and being around children.' The prosecution also noted a pattern of inappropriate behavior dating back to 1993. Not all the accusations were of a sexual nature; some were described as 'bullying' by McEachran, according to court documents. 'As many more victims come forward, they have disclosed this chair incident. That the defendant brings his student up to this chair and talks to them, and this is where a lot of the touching occurs,' said Brandenburg-Koch during the detention hearing. The defense attempted to discredit the allegations, with attorney Chris Dodd arguing against the Albuquerque Police Department going to the media prior to McEachran's arrest and extradition back to New Mexico in June. 'There were never any other allegations. [Commander] Hartsock went to the media, and then people came forward.' The defense called upon a friend and a former teacher who used to work with McEachran to testify in his favor, asserting that he is a good man. 'I think he is a very credible individual; he's trustworthy, he's dependable; he's a man of God,' said Giovanna Eisberg, a former Hope teacher and friend of McEachran. However, Judge Clara Moran ordered that McEachran stay behind bars through his trial with no bond, stating that McEachran poses a danger. McEachran blew a kiss to his family before being led out of the courtroom. He will not face charges for the older abuse accusations, as the statute of limitations has expired. Investigators are still interviewing other potential victims. McEachran's attorney said they plan to challenge Wednesday's detention ruling. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Yahoo
Hope Christian School teacher accused of sexually abusing student
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Police have issued an arrest warrant for a Hope Christian School teacher accused of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl. Albuquerque police said 66-year-old Kelly McEachran touched the student inappropriately, both over and under her clothes, over several weeks. Judge rules mother facing robbery charges be held behind bars through trial The student's parents told the school about it back in April, and he was put on administrative leave. Police believe there may have been other victims. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
Former Albuquerque Christian school teacher accused of child sex abuse arrested in Idaho
Jun. 26—U.S. Marshals arrested a former Albuquerque Christian school teacher accused of child sex abuse in Idaho on Thursday, according to police. Kelly McEachran, 66, is charged with criminal sexual penetration and criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13. The victim is an 11-year-old girl who McEachran taught at Hope Christian School, according to a criminal complaint filed in 2nd Judicial District Court. McEachran's lawyer, Christopher Dodd, said that McEachran was on vacation in Idaho and in the process of turning himself in to authorities when arrested. Since the headlines broke, another former student has come forward alleging abuse, according to an Albuquerque Police Department news release. Other students have also called APD with information about more potential victims. No additional charges have been filed against McEachran following these allegations. Hope Christian School could not be reached for comment. A 2016 video posted on Facebook suggests that McEachran was also a pastor at Legacy Church. In the video, posted on Legacy's account, McEachran is referred to as "Pastor Kelly." The mega-church's attorney, Nicole Westbrook, said he worked in an administrative role a decade ago. The video has since been removed. In McEachran's classroom, the alleged abuse went on for five to six months during the past school year, according to a petition for protection filed by the victim's family in 2nd Judicial Court. The girl told police that when she had questions, McEachran would invite her to sit beside him at his desk, where he would touch her inappropriately. "The police never sought to get his side of the story — they went straight to an arrest warrant," Dodd said. Police first began investigating the case more than two months ago, according to court documents. Police were first dispatched to reports of child abuse at Hope Christian on April 7. McEachran was placed on leave that day, the complaint details. Investigators later searched McEachran's classroom to corroborate details of the girl's story on May 23. A warrant for McEachran's arrest was issued Tuesday. Investigators are urging anyone with information on the case to speak with the department's Crimes Against Children Unit by calling (505) 924-6032.
