On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the Great Bend Police Department received a Crime Stoppers tip regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and the sale of tobacco products involving a Great Bend sports coach and local teen students.
Detectives began investigating the tips and compiling more details of the report. After conducting interviews, executing search warrants and collecting digital evidence related to this report, investigators learned that multiple sex offenses occurred in addition to the sale of tobacco products to minors.
Further investigation lead to the arrest of Bryce Hofmeister, age 27. Hofmeister was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Great Bend Police Department and transported to the Barton County Detention Center where he was booked on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, electronic solicitation and contributing to a child's misconduct.
The arrest did not happen on school grounds.
Hofmeister served as a substitute teacher at Great Bend Middle School and Great Bend High School. He also was an assistant coach for multiple sports.
In a statement released to USD 428 families, the school district said they will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement officials. The district also stated Hofmeister will not return to work in the district.
This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.