Mishicot Teacher and Track Coach Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 16, 2026, United States District Judge Byron B. Conway sentenced former Mishicot Middle/High School teacher and track coach Ryan S. Schroeder (age 39), to 336 months' imprisonment following his conviction for Production of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a).

According to court documents and arguments presented in court, Schroeder sexually assaulted a minor student for approximately two years, beginning when the girl was in the eighth grade. Schroeder then abused a second student, then 13-years-old, who informed the school district of Schroeder's sexual abuse towards her. Law enforcement searched Schroeder's cell phone and discovered that he had been sending images to both of the minors. Ultimately, he pled guilty to creating a video involving one of the minors which contained sexually explicit conduct with the child.

Judge Conway described the defendant's crime as a serious criminal offense involving "so much more than the production of child pornography." He condemned Schroeder's "deviant behavior" and described him as a "family man who was living a fraud" and a "mentor who became a predator." Judge Conway determined that 28 years (336 months) of imprisonment was an appropriate sentence noting that his abuse of trust was higher given that his dual role of teacher and track coach gave him extended access to the victims. Following his release from prison, Schroeder will spend the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender under state and federal law.

"This defendant stole the innocence of these children and deserved the very lengthy prison sentence he received," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel. "He abused the position of trust given him by the school, parents and society as a whole. The team from the investigators to the prosecutors did an outstanding job bringing this defendant to justice."

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the lasting impact they have had on the victims and their families. I want to commend the outstanding work of Detective Nate Steber, whose dedication and pursuit of the truth helped bring this case to a successful conclusion. Investigations involving the exploitation of children are among the most difficult cases law enforcement encounters," stated Manitowoc County Sheriff Daniel Hartwig.

"While no sentence can erase the trauma these victims endured, it is our hope that today's outcome provides a measure of closure and an opportunity for healing as they move forward. The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting children and holding those who abuse positions of trust fully accountable for their actions."

Mishicot Police Chief Paul Granger stated, "This investigation began within our community and serves as a reminder that child exploitation can occur anywhere, even in places where families expect their children to be safest. From the moment these allegations were brought forward, the Mishicot Police Department, led by Detective James Brooks' diligent investigative efforts, took immediate action to ensure the allegations were thoroughly investigated and that the victims received the support and protection they deserved."

"I am proud of the work performed by our officers and our law enforcement partners throughout this investigation. Today's sentence sends a clear message that individuals who use positions of trust and authority to exploit children will be identified, investigated, and held fully accountable. While no sentence can undo the harm caused to these victims, we hope this outcome provides a measure of justice and allows them to continue their healing journey. The Mishicot Police Department remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting children and pursuing those who prey upon the most vulnerable members of our community.'"

This case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office, the Mishicot Police Department and with the assistance of the Manitowoc County District Attorney's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Humble and Timothy W. Funnell.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.