A Madison Metropolitan School District teacher who was previously placed on leave amid an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student has now been arrested and formally charged.
Eliav Goldman, 29, was taken into custody by the Madison Police Department and faces multiple felony charges, including grooming, sexual misconduct by a school staff member, and causing mental harm to a child, according to authorities.
Goldman worked as a choir and drama teacher at both Vel Phillips Memorial High School and Toki Middle School in Madison, where he also served as the Drama Director at the high school. He was honored in 2023 as a Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellow. Information regarding this award was removed from the District’s website but was still available on their Facebook page, as of the time of reporting.
Police say the investigation began after school officials reported concerns about an inappropriate relationship involving Goldman and a student. The case was handled by the department’s Special Victims Unit, and investigators executed multiple search warrants prior to making the arrest. Goldman was booked into the Dane County Jail.
The Madison Metropolitan School District had previously placed Goldman on administrative leave while the investigation was ongoing and has said it is cooperating with law enforcement.
In addition to his role in the District, Goldman also worked with children through outside arts organizations, including the Children’s Theatre of Madison and the Madison Youth Choir, raising further concerns about the scope of his access to minors. Goldman allegedly led Memorial High School’s Gender & Sexuality Association club, according to the group, “Gays Against Groomers.”
According to a still-active Google site created by Goldman, he is a proud supporter of Black Lives Matter and pledged to “be a co-conspirator in the fight for racial justice.” Goldman could face up to 50 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
Charges Include Newly Enacted “Grooming” Felony
Among the charges Goldman faces is grooming, a felony offense that was only recently codified into Wisconsin law.
The legislation was authored by Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie) and Jesse James (R–Thorp) and was signed into law earlier this month.
The law created a clear criminal definition for grooming behaviors, closing what supporters described as a gap in Wisconsin statutes that previously made it difficult to charge predatory conduct before physical abuse occurred. It also increased penalties when the adult is in a position of trust or authority over the child—such as a teacher, coach, or school staff member.
The bill passed the Legislature with near-universal bipartisan support, with only six Democrats voting against it—including Francesca Hong, a current Democratic frontrunner for governor.
Supporters of the law argued it would give prosecutors the tools needed to intervene earlier in cases involving inappropriate relationships between adults and minors, particularly in positions of authority such as educators.
One of the six Democrats who opposed the bill, Rep. Angelina Cruz (D-Racine), argued that the anti-grooming legislation would “risk stigmatizing” LGBTQ educators and students, saying that the law “institutes hate speech” and arguing that the bill “is not about protecting children. It is about advancing a political agenda.” In addition to serving in the Wisconsin State Legislature, Cruz also serves as the head of the Racine Unified School District’s teachers union.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released additional details about the alleged victim, citing the ongoing investigation and the age of the student.
Goldman’s case remains active, and further court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
