11/15/24 Former Ripon High School Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Suspected of Sexual Assault
15 November 2024 News
Ripon Police this week arrested a former Ripon High School boys’ varsity basketball coach suspected of sexually assaulting a child. Thirty-one-year-old Mihai David Schnell-Harrison has not been formally charged yet. Charges referred against him include one count each of sexual assault of a child by a person who works or volunteers with children, exposing a child to harmful material, and child enticement.
The Ripon Area School District issued a statement to parents Thursday from Superintendent Mary Whitrock confirming the arrest. You can read the entire statement below.
Schnell-Harrison coached the Ripon High School Boys Varsity Basketball team. He started as an assistant coach in 2016. He joined the Waupun boys’ basketball program from 2017 to 2019. After that he joined Appleton East’s varsity boys’ basketball program as an assistant coach while also coaching the freshman team before returning to Ripon as the head boys’ basketball coach.
He could make an initial court appearance on charges late this morning.
Ripon, WI – The Ripon Area School District sent the following information to parents on
November 14, 2024.
“On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the City of Ripon Police confirmed to District
authorities that Mihai Schnell-Harrison, who had served for one season as the boy’s varsity
basketball coach, was arrested on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 and is in custody for sexual
misconduct with a minor. Formal review of the charges is being conducted by the Fond du Lac
County District Attorney’s Office. The District wants to thank the City of Ripon Police Department
for their swift action over the past two days to ensure the safety and well-being of our students
and staff.
The safety of all students and staff is the District’s top priority. As such, please remind
your child(ren) if they experience anything or hear anything that makes them feel
uncomfortable, they should tell a parent or a trusted adult who can help report the information
to the proper authorities. Parents too are reminded to report anything they see or hear that
causes concern to the proper authorities.
Given the sensitive nature of this situation, we recognize some students may request
social or emotional support from a school professional. If this is the case for your child, please
have them reach out to their school counselor, or feel free to do so on their behalf:
● Dakota Kandler kandlerd@ripon.k12.wi.us (RHS, Last names A-L)
● Cindy Worden wordenc@ripon.k12.wi.us (RHS, Last names M-Z)
● Todd Arft, arftt@ripon.k12.wi.us (RMS)
● Landri Vogelsang, vogelsangl@ripon.k12.wi.us (BP)
● Amanda Eake, eakea@ripon.k12.wi.us (MP/Q)
● Cary Johannes, johannesc@ripon.k12.wi.us (Odyssey)
The District’s commitment to ensuring a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for
all students and staff remains unwavering. We are committed to transparency and will continue
to update the community within the bounds of privacy laws and the ongoing investigation. The
City of Ripon Police Department reminded the District that due to the ongoing investigation, and
the sensitive nature of the case involving a minor, information is limited at this time.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time. We encourage
parents and guardians to reach out to school administrators if they have questions or concerns.”
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