School Principal and Father Allegedly Threatened Woman He’d ‘Slit’ Her Throat and ‘Watch Her Die’: Complaint

A Cedar Rapids school principal, Justin Blietz, has been arrested on charges of first-degree harassment just days prior to his wife filing for a protective order against him, allege court documents. Blietz, who is the founding principal of Cedar Rapids Prep, was taken into custody on Saturday, March 14, after reportedly making violent threats towards an unidentified woman.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by local media outlets, Blietz allegedly threatened to “slit her throat and watch her die.” Details surrounding the identity of the alleged victim in this harassment case have not yet been clarified, raising questions about the specifics of the allegations.

Blietz, 40, established Cedar Rapids Prep, a charter school that opened in August 2022, and has positioned himself as a community leader committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for students. His LinkedIn profile highlights his aspiration to ensure that all students feel connected and nurtured. In personal social media posts, he is seen enjoying family time with his children, further contrasting with the disturbing allegations against him.

Prior to the recent arrest, Blietz’s wife had taken legal action against him before. In March, she filed for a protective order relating to domestic abuse, although that case was dismissed without prejudice in April, shortly after she initiated divorce proceedings. The current situation marks a troubling escalation, occurring while divorce discussions were still underway.

Only two days after the alleged harassment incident, Blietz’s wife sought another protective order. This series of legal moves has attracted significant attention, especially given Blietz’s role as an educator and the impact such allegations could have on students and the wider community.

Following his arrest, Blietz was released from jail the following Sunday on his own recognizance. At this time, there is no information available regarding whether he has entered a plea or secured legal representation for his defence. Efforts to reach Blietz for a comment were unsuccessful.

The Cedar Rapids Prep charter school and its overseeing body, Opportunity Education, have been contacted for comments regarding the principal’s arrest. Reports indicate that Blietz has been placed on administrative leave while the situation unfolds. However, specific statements from either institution have not yet been made available to the media.

Local law enforcement, specifically the Cedar Rapids police, have yet to provide additional details or context around the circumstances of Blietz’s arrest. As the case develops, more information may come to light that could shed further understanding on these serious allegations.

For individuals experiencing similar issues of domestic violence, resources are available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-799-7233. The hotline offers confidential assistance around the clock in multiple languages, aiming to support victims in distressing situations.