Mohave County authorities arrested a school janitor and a veteran teacher after investigators said the janitor traded vapes and alcohol for nude photographs of underage girls and then distributed the images to the teacher. The case, reported by AZFamily, highlights serious concerns about student safety and staff conduct in Arizona schools, a matter of interest to families across the state, including Phoenix.
According to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began while processing digital evidence in a separate case involving Pierce Anthony Eller, 41, of Golden Valley. Eller, who works as a janitor at a Kingman-area school through a private contractor, allegedly started the illicit trades in February with an underage family friend. Detectives say Eller completed ten trades, providing the girl with vapes and alcohol in exchange for nude photos.
The sheriff’s office reported that the girl told her friends about the arrangement, and the friends later contacted Eller via social media. Investigators say Eller then gave three additional girls, ages 14 to 16, vapes and alcohol for further nude photographs. Evidence recovered from Eller’s cellphone supported the allegations.
Eller admitted to the trades earlier this week. He was arrested and booked on ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, four counts of luring a minor, and four counts of commercial exploitation of a minor.
Ronald Wayne Bowman, 57, a teacher who has served the Kingman Unified School District for 24 years, allegedly received the images from Eller. Bowman is reported to have admitted involvement and faces nine charges of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Mohave County officials declined to release mugshots of either suspect, citing a 2024 court decision. They are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 928‑753‑0753 ext. 4288 and reference DR# 26‑043796.
What’s next: Both Eller and Bowman remain in custody pending arraignment. The sheriff’s office indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges could be filed if further evidence emerges. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving school personnel.
Sources: azfamily.com
