Bethlehem Township Police have arrested Freedom HS teacher and girls volleyball coach Christopher Schweikert for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor student athlete last year.

Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck said in a Jan. 13 statement Schweikert, 27, of Coplay, began texting the freshman girl in December 2021 and advanced to a physical relationship a few months later, through her sophomore year.

The victim alleged the two would meet at his home, at hotel rooms and elsewhere, and he provided her with alcohol and cocaine. Police executed a warrant on the victim’s phone and computer, finding a number of explicit videos of the pair engaging in sexual acts.

The Bethlehem Area School District was made aware of allegations Jan. 4 and notified Children and Youth Services and the Bethlehem Township Police Department, both of whom swiftly initiated investigations. The staff member was immediately placed on leave pending the outcome of those investigations.

Freedom Principal Laurie Sage said in a statement, “This is a difficult time for all members of the Freedom family. Administrators and counselors are prepared to support students and staff as we work through this distressing news.”

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy said, “Student physical and emotional safety is our first priority. The alleged inappropriate behavior violates community trust in our schools, undermines safety, and is illegal, intolerable and inexcusable.”

Schweikert is charged with sexual assault by a sports official, institutional sexual assault and corruption of minors, and is arraigned on $1 million bail.