An elementary school teacher in Flint, Texas, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the promotion of child pornography, according to officials.
Fabrizio Olague, a teacher with the Chapel Hill Independent School District (CHISD), was arrested on July 17 following a two-month investigation by a detective with the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s office, according to a press release.
His arrest was part of a joint operation between local law enforcement and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Mr. Olague, who served as a Dyslexia Interventionist where he provided support and education to students ranging from Kindergarten to 3rd grade, allegedly transmitted explicit material involving minors, the constable’s office said.
However, authorities said they currently do not have any evidence suggesting that Mr. Olague victimized any of the students he taught.
After obtaining “substantial evidence” law enforcement officials including Montgomery County Precincts 1 and 2 and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), searched Mr. Olague’s home where they learned that he was attending a teacher’s conference in Plano, Texas.
“Acting swiftly, Texas DPS located and apprehended the suspect at the conference, ensuring he would face justice for his alleged crimes,” officials said.
Mr. Olague was subsequently taken into custody and is being held in local county jail pending legal proceedings.
He has been charged with five counts of possession with intent to promote child pornography, and his bail has been set to $500,000, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Teacher Placed on Leave
“The diligent work of law enforcement agencies involved in this case serves as a testament to their commitment to protecting the community and safeguarding the well-being of children,” the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s office said. “The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and ICAC Task Force continue to collaborate in order to gather additional evidence and ensure a thorough investigation.”
“As this case progresses, the community remains encouraged to report any suspicious activities or concerns related to child exploitation to the appropriate authorities, allowing for prompt action and the protection of our most vulnerable citizens,” the Constable’s office concluded.
An official with the CHISD told media outlets that Mr. Olague has been placed on administrative leave.
“Our highest priority is the safety and welfare of our students,” said Martin Ibarra, CHISD’s Board of Trustees president. “We take these allegations very seriously, and we’re fully cooperating with authorities.”
The district also said, based on preliminary evidence, that it has no reason to believe Mr. Olague transmitted explicit material involving minors on school property.
Mr. Olague’s arrest comes shortly after a Texas pastor, David Lloyd Walther, pleaded guilty in a federal court in Austin on June 27 to an enhanced charge of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Mr. Walther pleaded guilty to “knowingly” having “searched for, downloaded, distributed, and possessed child sexual abuse material, including child pornography” using the peer-to-peer file sharing network BitTorrent.
Mr. Walther, a pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Round Rock, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
It is not clear if Mr. Olague has legal representation.
The Epoch Times has contacted CHISD for further comment.
Mimi Nguyen Ly contributed to this report.
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