Midland Christian School CFO Rory Waide Arrested on Child Grooming Charges

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Midland, Texas — Rory James Waide, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Midland Christian School, was arrested on March 27, 2025, on charges of child grooming following allegations made by his 16-year-old stepdaughter.

The 55-year-old Midland resident was taken into custody and booked into the Midland County Detention Center, with bond set at $25,000. This arrest has sent shockwaves through the Midland community, particularly among parents and staff at Midland Christian School who are grappling with the unsettling allegations against a prominent school official.

Allegations and Investigation

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by multiple news outlets, including First Alert 7 News, NewsWest 9, and YourBasin News, Waide’s stepdaughter accused him of inappropriately touching her on several occasions while she was asleep.

The affidavit further alleges that Waide provided the minor with a personal letter and an adult sex toy, with photographic evidence submitted to support the claims. As reported by YourBasin News, the letter allegedly stated, "Don't break my heart," which investigators believe was an attempt to manipulate the minor emotionally and gain her compliance.

The affidavit outlines a pattern of alleged grooming, with the minor describing inappropriate messages and sexually suggestive conversations initiated by Waide. According to the affidavit, Waide used his position of authority and familiarity within the family to engage in manipulative behavior aimed at breaking down boundaries, gaining the child's trust, and controlling her emotionally.

Response from Midland Christian School

Midland Christian School released a statement acknowledging Waide’s arrest, emphasizing that the incident is a personal matter and not related to school activities. As reported by the Midland Reporter-Telegram, the school has placed Waide on administrative leave while the investigation continues. The school’s administration faces mounting pressure from concerned parents demanding transparency and accountability throughout the ongoing investigation.

Waide, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with more than 25 years of experience, has previously worked in public accounting and served various educational and not-for-profit organizations. His professional background includes financial oversight and management roles within schools and other institutions, which has only intensified public scrutiny over his actions.

The Bigger Picture: Child Grooming and Abuse in America

The case of Rory Waide highlights the broader issue of child abuse and grooming in America. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), there were over 29.3 million reports of suspected child exploitation made to the CyberTipline in 2024 alone. This staggering figure illustrates the pervasive nature of this issue and the critical need for vigilance and awareness.

"The signs of grooming can be subtle and easily overlooked," said John Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC. "Offenders often manipulate their victims into believing the inappropriate behavior is normal or their fault. It's essential for parents, educators, and community members to be educated on what grooming looks like and how to intervene effectively."

The issue of child abuse and exploitation has only become more concerning as reports continue to increase. The FBI estimates that hundreds of thousands of children are exploited each year, with many cases going unreported due to fear, shame, or manipulation by abusers. Grooming remains one of the most insidious tactics used by predators to control and exploit their victims.

Grooming and Abuse Beyond Childhood

Abuse is not limited to children. Adults can also be victims of grooming, manipulation, and abuse, particularly in situations where there is an imbalance of power. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, approximately one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking, which is often accompanied by psychological abuse.

Experts stress that awareness and education are the first lines of defense against such exploitation. "We need to ensure that communities are empowered with the knowledge to recognize the signs of grooming and abuse," said Sarah Roberts, Executive Director of the Child Safety Institute. "It's not just about protecting children but also understanding that adults can be victims of manipulation and exploitation, particularly when there are power dynamics involved."

Recognizing the Signs of Grooming and Abuse

Recognizing the signs of abuse and grooming is crucial to prevent further harm. These signs may include unexplained changes in behavior, isolation from friends and family, inappropriate or secretive communication, and sudden gifts or favors given by the abuser. Parents, guardians, and educators should be aware of these signs and take immediate action if they suspect someone is being abused.

The Rory Waide case could spark broader discussions nationwide about the necessity for rigorous screening processes for those working with children, enhanced reporting mechanisms, and increased funding for organizations dedicated to fighting child exploitation. Advocacy groups are also pushing for stronger laws to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure victims receive the support and justice they deserve.

Call for Action

As the investigation into Rory Waide’s actions continues, the Midland community and the nation at large are left to grapple with the harsh realities of abuse that all too often remain hidden. Until more concrete measures are put in place, cases like this will continue to serve as grim reminders of the work still needed to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Comprehensive education, awareness, and reform are essential in the fight to eradicate exploitation and abuse.