Kansas Teacher Faces Federal Charges in Child Pornography Case

by Derek White

A Kansas elementary school teacher is facing serious federal charges related to the production and possession of child pornography. Ryan-Roy Beach, a former teacher at Wheatland Elementary School in Grainfield, Kansas, was indicted by a grand jury in Topeka on April 2, 2025, on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

According to the indictment, Beach is charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a child for the production of child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. These charges stem from alleged incidents involving minors, identified as "MV-1" and "MV-2," who were used to create sexually explicit images. The incidents reportedly took place between June 2021 and March 2024. The indictment also mentions the possession of visual depictions involving prepubescent minors who had not yet reached the age of 12.

Beach, who holds a Kansas teaching license set to expire in October 2026, taught at Wheatland Elementary School from 2019 until 2024. Despite the charges, records from the Kansas State Department of Education show that his teaching license remains valid, though it is now under scrutiny following the charges against him.

The indictment does not specify the exact locations of the alleged crimes, other than stating that they took place within the state of Kansas. Beach was arrested in late March 2025, shortly after the initial federal complaint was filed. The court sealed the complaint and warrant at that time, with the grand jury indictment following shortly thereafter.

At first, Beach pleaded not guilty to the charges, but recent court records indicate that he plans to change his plea. A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on May 1, 2025, at the U.S. District Court in Topeka.

Should Beach be convicted, the court has indicated that he could be required to forfeit any property connected to the crimes, including the computer equipment allegedly used in the commission of these offenses.

This case has sent shockwaves through the local community, as it involves a trusted educator who, until recently, was working with children at Wheatland Elementary. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability when it comes to protecting vulnerable individuals, especially minors, from exploitation.

As this case progresses, it is crucial for the legal system to address the severity of these charges and ensure justice is served. The upcoming court proceedings will shed further light on the details of the case, as Beach prepares for his May 1 hearing.

Source: Topeka Capital-Journal