A middle school principal in East Texas has been arrested and charged with possession and promotion of child pornography.
Chad Dwight Barrett, a 56-year-old principal at Hardin Junior High School in Liberty, was arrested on November 14 following a police investigation that found he sent a student an inappropriate video.
According to David Meyers, Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division at the sheriff’s office, the student attends a school in Hardin Independent School District but is not a student at the middle school.
Investigators inspected Barrett’s cell phone and found pictures and videos containing child pornography.
Barrett’s charge is a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000.
“I encourage all parents who have kids with cell phones, and or access to social media to monitor who your child is communicating with on social media, for the protection of your child,” stated Meyers.
The Hardin ISD Assistant Superintendent Tammie Barberry told Texas Scorecard that the school board proposed Barrett’s termination at their meeting on Monday, November 18.
Leanna Stringer has been appointed interim principal.
“Texas law requires the Board to give a contract employee notice and 15 days to request a termination hearing with the Commissioner of Education prior to the Board taking final action to terminate,” Barberry said. “The district will follow state policy, which is outlined in Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code regarding [the] next steps in the termination.”
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office is asking parents to call 936-336-4500 if their child has received messages, photos, or videos from Barrett.
Barrett is among dozens of Texas educators charged with sex crimes involving students and other children.
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