A man who has been working as a cafeteria worker at Pottsville Elementary is facing a felony charge of internet stalking of a child.

Richard Ulrich, 63, was arrested by the Pottsville Police Department Sunday, according to a media release by the agency.

Around 12:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to an address on Pisgah Road in response to call about sexual misconduct, the release said.

A complaint had been submitted to Pope County dispatch from a group calling itself "Bikers Against Predators."

The group said that someone at the address had been inappropriately messaging a minor girl and intended to meet her at an undisclosed location.

Ulrich was later identified as the suspect and booked into the Pope County Detention Center.

The Pottsville School District released a statement from Superintendent Shane Thurman Monday saying it was aware of Ulrich's arrest.

"We take these allegations very seriously," Thurman said, adding that the district was "cooperating fully" with investigators.

"Mr. Ulrich's employment with the district has been suspended pending further investigation," Thurman continued. "Mr. Ulrich's access to all Pottsville School District buildings, facilities, and district accounts has been revoked."

Thurman concluded that the district will "continue to take all necessary steps to ensure a safe and secure learning environment and will provide additional information as appropriate."

According to the Pope County's online inmate roster, Ulrich has had three previous bookings at the jail.

Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans. Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.