School Employee Accused Of Sexting 14-Year-Old: Santa Rosa PD

SANTA ROSA, CA — Following a tip that an adult may be engaging in inappropriate conduct with a 14-year-old boy, a 54-year-old woman who works part-time at a Santa Rosa elementary school was arrested this week on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child and contacting a minor to commit a criminal offense, officials with the Santa Rosa Police Department said.

The tip was received Sept. 27 and Sandra Lee Champie, who works part time at Madrone Elementary School in the Rincon Valley Union School District, was arrested and booked into jail Wednesday, Oct. 16, according to Santa Rosa police Lt. Dan Marincik.

"A parent of the child suspected that an adult female, had been sending messages that were inappropriate to her son though social media," Marincik said.

Detectives spent "numerous hours" following up on leads in the case and ultimately, were able to corroborate the initial information relayed to them, the lieutenant said.

Investigators allege Champie, while posing as a teenage girl, communicated with the victim through social media sites for several months.

"During that time, numerous sexually explicit messages were exchanged between the victim and the suspect," Marincik said.

Police decided to make their move Wednesday. Officers stopped Champie while she was driving in the eastern Santa Rosa area. She was taken to the Santa Rosa Police Department where she was interviewed by a detective.

Champie was then taken to Sonoma County jail where she was booked on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child and contacting a minor to commit a criminal offense, Marincik said.

Police noted there was "no information to suggest that any inappropriate physical contact occurred between the suspect and victim."

The victim, whose name will not be disclosed, did not attend Madrone Elementary School and there was no information to indicate Champie had any inappropriate contact with any students who attend the school, Marincik said.

Jail booking information for Champie was not available Friday from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office website, indicating she may have been released from custody.

Sonoma County sheriff's Sgt. Juan Valencia confirmed Champie was let out of jail after putting up $50,000 bail.

Rincon Valley Union School District Superintendent Tracy Smith acknowledged the arrest and the allegations against Champie, stating in a message posted on the Madrone Elementary School website that the employee in question worked 1.75 hours a week as a noontime supervisor.

"... She is being put on administrative leave and as such, is not permitted on our campuses," Smith said. "The Rincon Valley Union School District takes this situation very seriously. Our number one priority is the safety of our students. ... This situation has unfolded quickly and we are reaching out to reassure you that we will continue to do everything in our power to keep your children safe at school."