The bright, cheerful exterior of Hope Christian Elementary stands in stark contrast to the disturbing allegations against longtime teacher Kelly McEachran. Campus photo source, courtesy of Homes.com. Photo of Kelly McEachran, courtesy of Yahoo News.
Kelly McEachran, a teacher and administrator for 35 years at Hope Christian School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been arrested for sex crimes involving an 11-year-old student. Authorities allege that McEachran, 66, assaulted the child multiple times in his Hope Christian Elementary classroom during the past school year. The abuse is believed to have continued for five to six months, based on information submitted in a petition for protection.
According to court records filed in Albuquerque Metropolitan Court, McEachran faces charges of criminal sexual penetration and criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13, the latter of which is classified as a third-degree felony.
Details of the McEachran Case
A warrant for McEachran’s arrest was issued on Monday, June 23, the same day prosecutors filed the criminal complaint. McEachran was allegedly vacationing at the time. His attorney, Christopher Dodd, filed a motion the next day asking the court to cancel the warrant and allow McEachran to appear voluntarily. That motion was denied, and U.S. Marshals arrested McEachran in Idaho on June 26.
The arrest followed a report made earlier this year.
On April 6, a fifth-grader reported to school staff that McEachran had been abusing her. KOAT reports, “The next day, April 7, McEachren was placed on administrative leave after school officials confirmed the details with the girl’s parents.” According to KOAT, police responded to reports of child abuse that same day and interviewed the victim’s family. However, school principal Robyn Taylor didn’t speak with police until April 8, raising questions about whether the school fulfilled its legal duty to report suspected abuse right away.
The student told investigators that McEachran touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions, both over and under her clothing, while she was at his desk asking for help. The victim’s family filed a petition for protection from McEachran, which was granted on June 10.
McEachran’s first court appearance is scheduled for July 17 in Albuquerque Metropolitan Court. He has denied all allegations.
McEachran’s Role at Legacy Church
In addition to his career at Hope Christian, McEachran appears to have previously worked at Legacy Church, a large New Mexico-based megachurch with multiple campuses. A 2016 Facebook video referred to him as “Pastor Kelly,” according to the Albuquerque Journal. The church has since deleted the post.
The church’s attorney, Nicole Westbrook, told the Albuquerque Journal that McEachran held an administrative role there a decade ago and “was not directly overseeing children on a day-to-day basis.” Westbrook declined to discuss the reasons for his departure from the church, “because it was a human resources matter and could pose a liability.”
However, public records present a different picture. A X bio and LinkedIn profile, both of which appear to be McEachran’s, describe him as “Executive Pastor at Legacy Church,” a title that suggests a more prominent role than the church has acknowledged.
A 2013 social media post from a Legacy Church event appears to show McEachran surrounded by a group of young people, further raising questions about whether he had direct access to youth while employed by the church.
Ongoing Investigation
APD Commander Kyle Hartsock (Criminal Investigation Division) told KOB that McEachran has been at Hope Christian long enough to have once taught at least one parent of the child.
“It’s much more likely that he’s had other victims, and they have been scared, coerced or threatened to not come forward, or they just believe that they wouldn’t be believed,” Hartsock said.
Since the warrant was announced, another former student reported being abused, and police have received multiple tips from others.
Survivors or others with information are encouraged to contact Detective Amanda Reichers at (505) 924-6032.
Potential Institutional Liability
Both Hope Christian School and Legacy Church are influential institutions in the community, trusted by hundreds of families to educate and guide children. They have a legal and moral duty to implement appropriate safeguards to protect those in their care.
Hope Christian School publicly identifies itself as “a Christ-centered community that provides a safe environment, equipping students to grow to excellence spiritually, academically, physically, and socially.” The school enrolls approximately 1,500 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, employs around 180 staff members, and operates on a 20-acre campus.
Legacy Church similarly describes its mission as helping people to “connect…with God…grow relationships, and live a life of generosity.” The church operates nine campuses across New Mexico and offers a worldwide online campus.
If either institution ignored warning signs or kept McEachran in a position of trust despite knowing he posed a danger to students, they could be held civilly liable for enabling or failing to prevent the abuse.
We Stand With Survivors
When those in positions of authority abuse their power, the impact can be devastating. If you or someone you love was abused by Kelly McEachran or harmed at Hope Christian Elementary School or Legacy Church, know that you are not alone.
At Andreozzi and Foote, we hold institutions accountable when they fail to protect children, and we stand with survivors seeking justice and healing.
Our attorneys offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. We’re here to listen to your story.
Contact us today.
