US Marshals Capture Wanted Hope Teacher

Albuquerque –

The Albuquerque Police Department announced that U.S. Marshals arrested 66-year-old Kelly McEachran in Idaho today, following a warrant issued earlier this week by APD’s Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU).

On June 24, McEachran’s lawyer, Christopher Dodd, requested that the court allow McEachran to appear virtually for an “Out-of-Custody First Appearance,” as he was out of state and on vacation. However, the judge denied the motion and scheduled an in-court appearance for July 17.

McEachran is being charged with Criminal Sexual Contact of Minor (under age of 13) and Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor (under age of 13) after it was reported that he had been inappropriately touching a student at Hope Christian Elementary School.

Since APD announced a warrant for his arrest on Tuesday, another victim, a former student of McEachran’s, has come forward. Other former students have also contacted police stating they know of other potential victims. 

In the media release from APD it states that “Hope Christian Elementary has cooperated with APD’s CACU detectives for the entire investigation and reported the incident within 24 hours of it being reported to them.”

McEachran has not been teaching at the school since April, when the allegation surfaced, and he was placed on leave.

ABQRAW has received messages from parents of Hope students who say they were not informed by the school about the alleged incident or APD investigation and only learned of it through news reports.

A recent advertisement for a local attorney has circulated, encouraging any potential victims to contact their office for representation in this case. APD strongly urges other victims to contact CACU detectives first to make a report. Victims or individuals with any tips or information can reach out to the detective directly. APD assigned Detective Amanda Reichers to this case. Detective Reichers can be reached at 505-924-6032.

Victim advocates and resources will be available to any and all victims who come forward.

Courts presume that those named or shown are innocent unless and until the prosecution secures a conviction through due process.

Main Story Photo Credit: Albuquerque the Magazine from April 2023.