A Cedar Rapids school principal is facing criminal charges after allegedly making a serious and violent threat toward a woman, according to court records and local reports.
Justin Blietz, 40, the founding principal of Cedar Rapids Prep, a public charter middle school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was arrested on March 14 and charged with first-degree harassment. Authorities say the charge stems from an incident in which Blietz allegedly threatened the woman during a dispute, making statements that investigators described as deeply alarming.
According to the criminal complaint, the alleged threat occurred amid ongoing divorce proceedings between Blietz and his wife. Records show that she had previously filed for a protective order related to domestic concerns in March 2025, though that petition was later dismissed without prejudice. Following Blietz’s arrest, a new protective order request was filed on March 16, just two days after the incident.
Blietz was taken into custody by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and booked into the Linn County Jail. He was released the following day on his own recognizance. Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the alleged threat.
In response to the arrest, Opportunity Education, the organization that operates Cedar Rapids Prep, placed Blietz on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. The school has not provided further public comment.
The case remains under investigation, and no additional charges have been announced at this time. Authorities say incidents involving alleged threats are treated seriously, particularly when they involve individuals in positions of public trust.
Further updates are expected as the legal process moves forward.
