Louisville Teacher Indicted on Federal Child Pornography Charges
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — A 51-year-old duPont Manual High School teacher has been indicted on federal child pornography charges after admitting to exchanging explicit materials involving minors online, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
The suspect, Brian Hinds, a theater instructor at the Youth Performing Arts School within duPont Manual, was arraigned following an FBI investigation that revealed he had been sending and receiving child sexual abuse content via the encrypted messaging app Telegram.
FBI Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, Hinds exchanged explicit images and videos with an undercover FBI agent on five occasions. The materials reportedly depicted sexual acts involving boys as young as six years old.
Federal court documents state that Hinds told the agent he was “attracted to young boys” and admitted that he once “messed with” a 7-year-old child he had babysat.
Investigators said Hinds had been viewing child pornography for 30 years, and surveillance confirmed his activity both at his home and workplace prior to his arrest.
No Current Students Identified as Victims
The Louisville Metro Police Department assisted in the investigation, but so far, no victims connected to duPont Manual High School have been identified.
“If local victims are later identified, authorities will directly and immediately make contact with victims or their parents or guardians,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
In response to the indictment, duPont Manual Principal Michael Newman sent a letter to parents acknowledging the allegations and assuring families that the school believes the case is not connected to school activities.
“Our counseling and mental health team is available for any students who may be concerned or affected by this news,” Newman wrote.
Charges and Potential Sentence
Hinds is currently being held at the Oldham County Jail on possession and distribution of child pornography charges. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in federal prison.
Authorities have set up a dedicated FBI tip line for anyone with additional information related to the case at brianhindstips@fbi.gov.
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