A former Hays County middle school teacher has been sentenced to a lengthy 60 years behind bars on child pornography charges, a steep penalty for the crimes he has admitted to. 33-year-old Kevin McLean pleaded guilty to six counts of possession of child pornography, with the sentence equating to 10 years for each count, to be served consecutively, as per information from an official statement by the Hays County District Attorney's Office found on KXAN News.
While working as a teacher in 2022, McLean's inappropriate actions were unearthed following an investigation spurred by his own wife, who reported him to the police after discovering conversations with multiple female students on his phone. In an investigation, which was initially launched into allegations of improper behavior towards students, authorities found and seized child pornography from McLean’s device. As detailed by FOX 7 Austin, it was later revealed during the probe that grooming of the female students had occurred, with the defendant sending them nude photos of himself and attempting to manipulate them into reciprocating.
The former educator's legal woes included evidence of other misconduct, as he was found to have provided or sold alcohol and illegal narcotics to some students. No child pornography involving students from the middle school featured in the seized content, the District Attorney's office assured, which brought a notable distinction to the charges. Neither a report of sexual contact with any student was made in connection with McLean’s actions.
In response to the sentencing, Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hansen was quoted by FOX 7 Austin, saying, "We hope this verdict provides healing and closure to the families whose lives were impacted by this defendant’s abuse of trust as an educator in our community." Hansen also emphasized the need for trust in schools as safe places and a commitment to prosecuting those who violate that trust. According to the District Attorney, Kelly Higgins, in a statement obtained by FOX 7 Austin, "Students and their families should be able to trust that school is safe. We will hold anyone who violates that trust accountable."
