Richard Villigram, 43, of Kansas City, Missouri, United States is an industrial technology teacher at Plaza Middle School in Kansas City. On April 22, 2026, he was charged in federal court following an investigation into attempted child exploitation.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Villigram faces two counts, which are attempted use of an interstate facility to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and attempted receipt of child pornography.
Investigation and arrest
The charges stem from an undercover operation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Investigators allege that starting on April 16, 2026, Villigram engaged in online communications with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl from Overland Park, Kansas, USA.
During these exchanges, Villigram reportedly sent a lewd photograph of himself, requested pornographic images in return, and arranged a meeting for sexual conduct. On April 21, 2026, he allegedly left the Plaza Middle School campus during a planning period to meet the individual. He was arrested by law enforcement upon arriving at the designated location.
A subsequent search of Villigram’s cellphone revealed graphic text messages confirming his intent. According to court affidavits, he admitted to communicating with the person he believed to be a minor and sending the illicit content.
Legal status and school district response
On April 22, 2026, Villigram made his initial court appearance and remains in federal custody. A detention hearing is scheduled for April 27, 2026. Assistant U.S. attorney David Luna is leading the prosecution.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. Officials remind the public that the charges in the complaint are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Park Hill School District is currently cooperating with federal authorities. Kelly Wachel, the district’s chief communications officer, stated that the school is taking prompt steps to ensure “safety and trust remain intact” while following all applicable laws and policies during the investigation.
CONAN Daily 