Cottonwood – In June of 2026, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Chester Cox of Cottonwood after investigating child molestation allegations reported years after the incidents occurred. Cox was arrested on multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor and child molestation and is currently being held with no bond.
According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), during the ongoing investigation, detectives executed a search warrant on Chester Cox’s electronic devices. Evidence recovered during the search warrant revealed additional criminal activity involving minors. YCSO Detectives found hidden video-recording devices placed in areas under the suspect’s control, including inside his classroom and a private single-use connected restroom at Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School in Cottonwood.
Detectives have identified several minor children who were secretly recorded in the classroom and restroom and appeared to be unaware of the recordings. Based on the evidence reviewed so far, detectives do not have reason to believe that the material discovered has been distributed.
All impacted families have been contacted by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and have been provided information, resources, and victim‑rights information.
The suspect has been booked on additional charges to include numerous counts of Surreptitious videotaping and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
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