A Hays County middle school teacher has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to six counts of possession of child pornography.
Kevin McLean, 33, received a 10-year sentence for each count, to be served consecutively, following an investigation that began with reports of inappropriate behavior toward students.
McLean taught at Dripping Springs Middle School, where he also coached track. He does not possess a Texas teacher certificate, but is listed on the Texas Education Agency’s “Do Not Hire Registry” as “under investigation.”
The case unfolded in 2022 after McLean’s wife alerted law enforcement to disturbing communications on his phone involving several female middle school students. Investigators seized his phone and discovered child pornography, which prompted further scrutiny.
According to the Hays County District Attorney’s office, authorities determined that McLean had been grooming students, sending them nude photos of himself and attempting to coerce them into reciprocating. The investigation also revealed that McLean had supplied some students with alcohol and illegal narcotics, including THC vape pens and prescription drugs.
No evidence was found linking the child pornography to students at the middle school, and there were no reports of sexual contact with any student.
Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins emphasized the importance of school safety and accountability: “Students and their families should be able to trust that school is safe. We will hold anyone who violates that trust accountable.”
Hundreds of Texas teachers have been charged with sex crimes involving children in just the past few years.
