Ripon High School Teacher Dies While Being Investigated For Child Porn Allegations

A Ripon High School teacher is dead, while being investigated for child pornography allegations.

As KFIZ told you Wednesday (10/27/2021) an investigation was underway into child pornography involving a staff member of the Ripon School District. That staff member had been placed on leave.

Multiple sources told KFIZ News Thursday that staff member had passed away. In a statement issued by Ripon School District Superintendent Mary Whitrock Thursday (10/28/2021), it was announced that Rick Kelm had passed away. The press release read as follows:

Dear RASD Families,

The family of Ripon Area School District staff member Richard Kelm has asked me to share the sad news of Rick’s passing today with you.

This is a significant loss to our Ripon school community. As is the case in any difficult situation, our counseling staff is available to provide support to staff and students if needed. These resources are available for students at the student’s or parent’s request. If you need assistance please contact your child’s school counselor or principal.  

Please keep Rick’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

KFIZ News reached out to Ripon Police Chief William Wallner who told us “I cannot comment on the investigation right now, only to say that NO staff member was arrested or taken into custody at the school, as has been widely rumored, those rumors are false, no staff or teacher was arrested.”

KFIZ News also learned that staff at the High School was informed of the latest information Thursday morning.

Ripon Police were notified by authorities that monitor questionable internet behavior, of computer IP addresses located within the City of Ripon, which lead to a search of the staff member’s home.

The questionable content began to surface back in June and July from IP addresses at both the home of the staff member as well as within the school district.

Search warrants were issued on October 21, with a number of electronic devices being seized from the staff member’s home.

The Ripon School District did notify families of the incident, back on October 22 and said that patience is needed to continue to let the law enforcement system do its work.

No criminal charges had been filed against Kelm.

Kelm began teaching at Ripon High School back in the 1990;s, where he taught history, as well as coaching football from 1998-2010. Kelm was Head Coach of the State Championship teams in 2003 and 2005, and had a record of 102-44, making him the winningest coach in school history.

He also had been the head golf coach for the past 10 years.