A teaching assistant from Chandler Tripp School in unincorporated San Jose has been taken into custody on charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse material. Kirk McFarland III, a 72-year-old San Jose resident, faces a felony count after being arraigned yesterday.
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, the arrest followed a discovery by school staff of a USB flash drive containing inappropriate images. The flash drive, which was linked to McFarland, prompted an investigation that led to McFarland's admission of viewing and downloading sexually suggestive material involving minors from the internet.
These distressing developments result from a probe that began on Monday when deputies were called to the school after discovering the questionable material. McFarland made a point of asserting that none of the photos involved students from the school.
McFarland's employment at the school lasted just over a month, and the community has been shaken by the allegations. In response, the Santa Clara County Office of Education has sent a letter to inform the parents of those enrolled about the ongoing situation, underscoring its gravity.
Authorities are pursuing further leads in what is still an active case. They encourage anyone who might have relevant information to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at 408-808-4500 or to reach out anonymously to the Investigative Services tip line at 408-808-4431.
