AUSTIN (KXAN) — A former elementary music teacher at Eanes Independent School District was arrested in connection with online crimes against children, Eanes ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett said in a district letter Wednesday.
Zachary Barnett previously worked as a music teacher at Cedar Creek Elementary and was employed with Eanes ISD for three years, per the release. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Computer Information Technology and Electronic Crime (CITEC) Unit conducted the investigation that led to his arrest and apprehension, Eanes ISD said.
An attorney was not listed for Barnett in online court records, as of Wednesday. We will update this once that changes.
“The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division served three warrants for the arrest of Zachary Barnett on charges of Possession of Child Pornography. Barnett was taken into custody today on February 26, 2025, and booked into the Williamson County Jail. As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, no further details will be released at this time,” a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety told KXAN in a statement Wednesday.
Officials confirmed the majority of illicit activity Barnett allegedly engaged in happened outside of work, but some photographs and videos of clothed students were found on a personal device not issued by the school district. Those were taken without students’ knowledge or consent, officials noted.
Eanes ISD Superintendent Jeff Arnett spoke with KXAN Wednesday about the incident.
“This is someone who very discreetly used personal technology to capture images of students who were clothed during the school day, but then used those images and the videos to objectify the students, as well as additional activity that was occurring in the persons life outside of school,” Arnett said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety says they served three warrants against Barnett on charges of possession of child pornography.
KXAN asked if the district knew how long this activity was taking place.
“This was his 3rd year with us,” said Arnett. “It at least went back to last year, so that is what they are trying to determine right now and just examining the volume of photographs and video that he had.”
“We are saddened for any innocent children who may have been unknowingly objectified by an adult entrusted with their care and instruction,” Eanes ISD wrote in the release. “We understand this situation is disturbing. The Eanes ISD Police Department is helping to confirm which students’ images were found in the search. Those families whose children may be affected will be contacted directly by school district or DPS officials in the near future with further details.”
Eanes ISD confirmed Barnett had undergone a fingerprinted background check, as is standard for all employees to check for criminal records. The district said Barnett wasn’t determined to have a prior history and “there were no indications of concern” prior to this incident.
Barnett resigned from his position on Feb. 15, with Eanes ISD officials adding he will not return to any district schools. Officials said they waited until he was taken into custody before making the announcement.
“In Eanes ISD, the emotional and physical safety of students remains our unwavering priority. That is why this is such difficult news to share,” the release concluded. “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this upsetting situation together.”
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