A principal at a middle school in Liberty County has been arrested for possessing child sexual abuse material.
On Thursday, Dr. Chad Dwight Barrett, 56, who serves as the principal of Hardin Middle School, was charged with possession and/or promotion of child pornography, a third-degree felony.
The situation was brought to the attention of Liberty County Sheriff’s Office investigators after a concerned mother reported that her child had received an inappropriate video on social media that Dr. Barrett had sent.
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A press release described the child as a “student,” but a LCSO source confirmed that he was not a student at the middle school. However, he was involved in Hardin ISD athletics, where Dr. Barrett also held a leadership position.
Authorities went to the school and met with Dr. Barrett, who was cooperative and provided a statement. Investigators said they found images and videos on his personal cell phone depicting child sexual abuse, prompting the principal’s arrest.
Hardin ISD was made aware of the situation on Wednesday. The district released a statement, which was provided to Bluebonnet News.
“The District has been in direct contact with law enforcement and is assisting in an investigation. We are deeply troubled by this report and have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior and expect all district employees to adhere to the highest standards of conduct. The employee has been removed from school grounds and placed on administrative leave.” a portion of the statement read.
The Criminal Investigation Division at LCSO is asking parents who have children at Hardin Middle School to speak with their children to make sure they have not had inappropriate contact with Dr. Barrett.
Anyone with information surrounding this situation is asked to contact LCSO at 936-336-4500.