Mihai Schnell-Harrison (Fond du Lac Co. Jail)
FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Mihai Schnell-Harrison, who coached the Ripon High School boys’ basketball team last season, was ordered Friday to stand trial for allegedly exchanging nude photos with a student at the school, and having physical contact one time in the school parking lot.
Schnell-Harrison, 31, waived his preliminary hearing on five counts, including child enticement and sexual assault of a student by school staff. An arraignment date was not listed in court records.
According to the criminal complaint, Schnell-Harrison and the 16-year-old boy started exchanging messages on social media. Eventually, the two each shared nude images of themselves with the other.
Schnell-Harrison requested the two meet in person, the boy said. After rejecting the idea of meeting at a home or hotel room, they met in a car in the school parking lot. There, they allegedly had physical, sexual contact, the complaint states.
Schnell-Harrison admitted to sending the nude photos. He told police it was the boy who requested they meet in person.
“Mihai said that Victim 1 was the one who asked him to meet up and said, “I’ve always hesitated to do that because of the spot that we’re in and wanted to wait until the summer when he’s out”. SRO Rasmussen asked Mihai where Victim 1 would ask him to meet up and he indicated the quarry or a hiking trail. Mihai stated that they had only met up the one time, which was at the school parking lot and claimed that this was for only 5-10 minutes,” the complaint states.
Schnell-Harrison said he believed the student was 18 years old.
Ripon Police declined an interview request to speak about the case.
The Ripon Area School District released a statement, following Schnell-Harrison’s arrest saying:
“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:
● Dakota Kandler kandlerd@ripon.k12.wi.us (RHS, Last names A-L)
● Cindy Worden wordenc@ripon.k12.wi.us (RHS, Last names M-Z)
● Todd Arft, arftt@ripon.k12.wi.us (RMS)
● Landri Vogelsang, vogelsangl@ripon.k12.wi.us (BP)
● Amanda Eake, eakea@ripon.k12.wi.us (MP/Q)
● Cary Johannes, johannesc@ripon.k12.wi.us (Odyssey)
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.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time. We encourage parents and guardians to reach out to school administrators if they have questions or concerns.”
Comments