photo by: Sylas May/Journal-World

Caleb Rahmeier, right, and attorney Tom Bath return from a recess on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.

A former award-winning paraprofessional in the Lawrence school district pleaded not guilty Tuesday to multiple child sex crimes.

Caleb Rahmeier, in a third amended complaint filed in August, has been charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and attempted sexual exploitation of a child, all felonies, as well as contributing to a child’s misconduct or deprivation, a misdemeanor. The alleged crimes are listed in the complaint as having occurred in 2023 and 2024.

Rahmeier, who appeared via Zoom Tuesday for his arraignment, was ordered on Aug. 6 to stand trial after a preliminary hearing at which a teen testified that Rahmeier, whom he met when he was a seventh grader and Rahmeier was a paraprofessional at West Middle School, sexually preyed on him – touching him inappropriately, asking him to undress and sharing sexual messages.

An attorney for Rahmeier indicated on Tuesday that he intended to file a motion to suppress, but he did not specify what the defense wants suppressed.

Rahmeier’s computer files were searched as part of the investigation and allegedly contained sexually explicit material of boys as well as a browser that allows users to access content on the “dark web,” according to testimony at the preliminary hearing.

Rahmeier also allegedly made statements to the police after waiving his Miranda rights. He reportedly admitted to having messaged with the boy on the online platform Discord and to having purchased game currency for him. He said his alleged declaration of love for the boy was meant platonically. When he was asked about giving the boy rides late at night, Rahmeier stopped the interview and requested an attorney, according to his arrest affidavit.

The defense’s motions are due on Nov. 13, and the state’s responses to them are due Dec. 11. Rahmeier, who is out of custody on a $40,000 bond, has waived his speedy trial rights for the time being. His next court date is a scheduling conference on Nov. 18.

As the Journal-World reported, Rahmeier was honored in December 2023 with the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s “Dedication to Education” award. The award, which comes with a $5,000 check, is given each year to a teacher or paraeducator who goes out of his or her way to help challenged and/or disadvantaged students.

The boy testified in August that Rahmeier had used some of that prize money to buy things for him.