Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Christopher Charles Chell, 46, a middle school teacher and Athletic Director at St. Patrick Interparish School, was arrested yesterday and charged with ten counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child between 12 and 16 years old.

According to a press release from Gainesville Police Department, Chell had gained the trust of several middle school girls, abusing his position as their physical education teacher and coach. Over the course of several months, Chell allegedly engaged in a pattern of behavior that escalated from inappropriate touching to criminal acts.

A letter sent last week from Father Lawrence Peck to St. Patrick families announced that Chell was no longer employed by the school. The letter said that Chell had been at the school for 4.5 years, and in addition to his duties as Athletic Director and physical education coach, he also oversaw and led numerous sports teams.

Detectives believe there may be more victims that have not been identified. If you have any information regarding this incident or have knowledge of any victims, please contact Sgt. Pandak at (352) 393-7734.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.