A review conducted by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has found that a former school resource officer will not face criminal charges following allegations involving communications with a student.
Sheriff Brad Shutts announced Monday that the investigation, which was completed with assistance from the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, did not uncover evidence sufficient to support criminal prosecution under Iowa law.
The case involved former Monroe Police Officer Carter Riechmann and his interactions with a 17-year-old PCM student. Authorities began looking into the matter after receiving information from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year.
Investigators examined social media records from multiple platforms and conducted interviews with those involved, including the student, witnesses, and Riechmann. The investigation confirmed that the officer and student communicated through social media and that some of those conversations extended beyond normal school resource officer responsibilities.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators identified interactions that raised concerns about professional conduct and boundaries. Witnesses also reported behavior and comments they considered inappropriate.
Despite those concerns, investigators determined the evidence did not establish probable cause that any criminal offense had occurred. As a result, no charges related to grooming, sexual exploitation by a school employee, or other violations of Iowa law will be filed.
