An elementary teacher in Eanes Independent School District was arrested on three charges of possessing 50 or more images of child pornography.
Zachary Barnett was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety following an investigation by DPS’ Computer Information Technology and Electronic Crime Unit, according to district Superintendent Jeff Arnett.
The former Cedar Creek Elementary music teacher reportedly used a “personal, non-school-district device to take photographs and videos of some students (who were clothed in these images) while at school without their knowledge or consent.”
Eanes ISD confirmed that Barnett had undergone standard background checks before his employment, which showed no prior criminal history or red flags.
According to Williamson County jail records, Barnett’s charges are first-degree felonies, which include a punishment range of 5 to 99 years and a fine of up to $10,000. The felony levels of child porn offenses depend on the number of images possessed and the ages of the children depicted.
“We are saddened for any innocent children who may have been unknowingly objectified by an adult entrusted with their care and instruction,” wrote Arnett in a letter to parents last week.
Barnett resigned in February and will not return to campus.
State records show Barnett’s teaching certificate is under review by the Texas Education Agency.
Hundreds of Texas teachers have been accused of sex crimes involving children in just the past few years.
