Middle School Teacher Arrested
For Immediate Release
Monday April 7, 2008

CHANDLER, AZ. On February 27, 2008 Detectives from the Chandler Police Department’s Sex Crimes Investigations Unit arrested Ronald Martin Cates (41), at his residence in Tempe based on allegations of Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Molestation of a Child. 

A former student and athlete of Cates’ alleged that Ronald Cates molested him over a period of five years, between 1999 and 2003. Cates was employed as a teacher at the school for sixteen years before retiring on February 29, 2008. 

Detectives interviewed Ronald Cates and he was subsequently released from police custody. A search warrant was served on his residence in Tempe on February 27, 2008, and numerous items were seized. Charges are pending further investigation.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation should contact Detective Brendan Busse of the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4410, or 480-782-4130.

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