Charter School Founding Principal Arrested on First-Degree Harassment Charges in Iowa

Justin Blietz, founding principal of Cedar Rapids Prep, faces first-degree harassment charges after allegedly threatening to kill a woman.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 6:56 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PEOPLE and The Gazette

Disturbing Allegations and Arrest

On March 14, 2026, 40-year-old Justin Blietz was booked into the Linn County Jail. According to criminal complaints, Blietz allegedly threatened to slit a woman’s throat and "watch her die." While the specific identity of the victim mentioned in the harassment charge has not been publicly confirmed, the incident coincides with a surge in legal activity regarding his domestic life. Blietz was released on Sunday on his own recognizance as the investigation continues.

Professional Background and Administrative Leave

Blietz is well-known in the local education community as the founding principal of Cedar Rapids Prep, a charter school that opened its doors in August 2025. His professional biography ironically emphasized his commitment to creating a "safe, supported, and connected" culture for students. Following his arrest, Opportunity Education, the organization overseeing the school, confirmed that Blietz has been placed on administrative leave. Neither the school nor the overseeing body has provided further comment on the situation.

A Pattern of Domestic Legal Disputes

Court records indicate a turbulent domestic history over the past year. In March 2025, Blietz’s wife filed a petition for relief from domestic abuse, though the case was later dismissed without prejudice. Shortly after that dismissal, she filed for divorce, a process that remains active. Following the most recent harassment incident on Saturday, his wife filed a new request for a protective order on Monday. This pattern of filings highlights a recurring conflict that has now escalated into criminal charges.