RIPON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Ripon High School’s varsity boys basketball coach was arrested Tuesday, suspected of sexual misconduct with a minor.
A message was sent from the Ripon Area School District to parents and staff on Thursday. It says Mihai Schnell-Harrison, who served as the coach of the high school’s varsity boys basketball team, is in custody for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor.
The statement does not provide any details about the minor or say when the alleged offense(s) took place.
Court records indicate Schnell-Harrison has not yet been charged, but according to the district, “Formal review of the charges is being conducted by the Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s Office.”
Schnell-Harrison’s biography on Ripon’s boys basketball website says he began his coaching career in 2016 as an assistant at Ripon High School. He then served as the Waupun boys basketball team’s assistant head coach from 2017-2019 and also worked as the assistant varsity coach at Appleton East High School.
The district encouraged students who may need social or emotional support to reach out to their school counselor, or have their parents do it on their behalf.
You can read the full statement from RASD below.
Dear Parents,
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the City of Ripon Police confirmed to District authorities that Mihai Schnell-Harrison, who had served for one season as the boy’s varsity basketball coach, was arrested on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 and is in custody for sexual misconduct with a minor. Formal review of the charges is being conducted by the Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s Office. The District wants to thank the City of Ripon Police Department for their swift action over the past two days to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
The safety of all students and staff is the District’s top priority. As such, please remind your child(ren) if they experience anything or hear anything that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should tell a parent or a trusted adult who can help report the information to the proper authorities. Parents too are reminded to report anything they see or hear that causes concern to the proper authorities.
Given the sensitive nature of this situation, we recognize some students may request social or emotional support from a school professional. If this is the case for your child, please have them reach out to their school counselor, or feel free to do so on their behalf.
The District’s commitment to ensuring a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all students and staff remains unwavering. We are committed to transparency and will continue to update the community within the bounds of privacy laws and the ongoing investigation. The City of Ripon Police Department reminded the district that due to the ongoing investigation and the sensitive nature of the case involving a minor, information is limited at this time.”
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