Dripping Springs teacher accused of sending students inappropriate images, providing vapes
Authorities have accused a Dripping Springs Middle School teacher of sending students inappropriate images over social media and also providing them with nicotine and THC vapes.
The teacher, identified by the Dripping Springs school district as 30-year-old Kevin James McLean, also was a track coach at the campus who had worked there since August 2020.
District officials said McLean passed a national fingerprint-based background check required for all employees.
According to the Hays County sheriff’s office, a report of McLean having inappropriate communication with students was filed April 27 with the Austin Police Department. McLean was then placed on administrative leave. The sheriff's office and the Dripping Springs school district have been investigating the report since.
Investigators learned that McLean had sent the students inappropriate images through the Snapchat social media app, the sheriff's office said. They were also told that McLean provided the students with nicotine and THC vapes.
On Thursday, seven arrest warrants were issued for McLean: four counts of sale, distribution or display of harmful material to a minor, which is a Class A misdemeanor; and three counts of distribution of controlled substance to a minor, a second-degree felony.
McLean will not be returning to any campus or school district property, as the district had previously received and accepted his resignation unrelated to the recent allegations, school officials said.
"Dripping Springs ISD is committed to the safety and security of all students," district officials said in a statement. "The district continues to partner with law enforcement agencies to help ensure the safety of the children in the Dripping Springs community and all students across Texas."
More: Hays school board fires second grade teacher accused of indecency with a child
Earlier this year, another Hays County school district faced criminal allegations against one of its teachers.
In March, Hays school district leaders fired second grade teacher Andrew Palmore, who had been charged with two counts of indecency with a child and two counts of improper relationship between an educator and student.
Before his firing, Palmore had been placed on administrative leave from Blanco Vista Elementary School in San Marcos. Authorities said the felony offenses Palmore is accused of did not occur on school property or during school hours.
More than 500 cases involving allegations of an inappropriate relationship between an educator and student have been reported across the state in the past 18 months, according to Texas Education Agency officials.
In the Dripping Springs case, authorities arrested McLean on Thursday. and he was booked into the Hays County Jail where he was awaiting a court hearing.
Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler used the case to urge parents to monitor their children’s use of phones, tablets and computers.
“Unfortunately, circumstances such as these occur as more and more people have access to the latest technology,” he said in a statement. “However, understanding the importance of safe use is paramount.”
Anyone with more information about the case should call Sgt. Mark Opiela with the Hays County sheriff’s office at 512-393-7896 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-324-8466. Tips can also be submitted online to Tip Line P3tips.com or on the Hays County sheriff’s office app.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas teacher accused of sending students Snapchats, providing vapes
