By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix elementary school teacher is facing federal charges after an investigation into child sexual abuse material.
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Gabriel Chacon, a third grade teacher at Encanto Elementary School in Phoenix’s Osborn School District, was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession or access with intent to view child pornography involving a minor under age 12.
Documents from the United States District Court for the District of Arizona show the FBI began investigating Chacon on Oct. 6.
The FBI’s child exploitation unit received a tip from an undercover officer in Australia who was monitoring an encrypted social media chat dedicated to sharing sexual abuse material of young children. The officer pointed out a message in which a user mentioned being alone in a classroom after school.
Documents say the undercover officer chatted with the user for several hours on Oct. 2.
The user reportedly admitted to being a third grade teacher in Phoenix and having a sexual interest in young boys. The user then allegedly sent the undercover officer five videos depicting child sexual abuse, as well as a photo of himself.
Court documents show the user gave the officer his Telegram handle, which authorities linked to a phone number they traced to Chacon. Authorities found Chacon’s education-focused Instagram account and said the photos matched the one sent to the undercover officer.
On Oct. 7, a judge authorized search warrants for Chacon and his Phoenix home.
Authorities say Chacon agreed to be interviewed and admitted to using the encrypted social platform, saving files of child sexual abuse material, sharing them in a chat and knowing the images showed real children.
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Chacon reportedly told authorities the images do not involve anyone at the elementary school, and he never had any physical contact with minors.
A spokesperson for the Osborn School District said the district was assured by law enforcement that there is no information that any student was involved in this case.
After his arrest, Chacon was placed on administrative leave, his access to technology and school buildings was restricted, and he was reported to state education officials, the spokesperson said.
“As a school district, we are taking all measures necessary to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of your children—our students,” the district spokesperson said. “We are also committed to ensuring that our students’ learning experiences continue seamlessly. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work through this situation.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the school district spokesperson said district officials are fully cooperating with investigators.
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