Federal authorities arrested a “state-recognized” South Texas teacher and coach for trying to solicit sex from a minor using the social media app Snapchat.
Kenneth Mulkey, 43, was charged with attempted enticement of a minor. If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in prison.
According to authorities, Mulkey was caught in a sting operation last October.
He allegedly sent sexually explicit messages and photos via Snapchat to an undercover agent he believed was a 14-year-old boy and requested explicit images in return.
Mulkey identified himself as a 40-year-old football and track coach.
Investigators discovered that when Mulkey sent one of the messages, he was within 40 meters of Sabinal High School.
Mulkey taught social studies and coached at Sabinal High School in Sabinal Independent School District.
State records show Mulkey has been certified to teach in Texas since 2004. His current teaching certificate is under review by the Texas Education Agency.
In August 2022, Mulkey received a $3,500 National Board certification bonus.
In August 2024, he received a $3,000 check from the state for becoming a “Recognized” teacher through the Teacher Incentive Allotment program.
Homeland Security Investigations arrested Mulkey on January 31, three months after the alleged crimes occurred.
Sabinal ISD Superintendent Edgar Camacho released a statement that day advising the community that a district employee had been placed on administrative leave “effective immediately” following the employee’s “detention by law enforcement” for alleged criminal offenses involving a minor.
Camacho did not identify Mulkey by name.
He indicated that the alleged misconduct did not involve any Sabinal ISD students.
“The District will be working in cooperation with law enforcement in the pending investigation,” Camacho added.
In just the past few years, hundreds of Texas teachers have been accused of sex crimes involving students and other children.
