Derrick Allan Gossett was the music teacher for Anderson Elementary School. Investigators with the Harris County Constable Precinct Four High Tech Crimes Unit say Gossett posed as a young girl on Facebook, friending a 12-year-old male student and encouraging him to send nude photos of himself.
Investigators say the girl, who was a former classmate of the boy, had no idea she was being impersonated online.
A search warrant on Gossett's home turned several images of nude juvenile males and a confession from Gossett, according to authorities, who said he used the Facebook profile posing as a girl to talk with boys. He would allegedly send mainstream female pornography to the boys and pass it off as the girl he pretended to be while encouraging the young boys to send pictures of themselves in return.
Spring ISD officials say they learned that Gossett was being investigated for allegations of child pornography, and they placed him on administrative leave on Tuesday morning. Gossett resigned shortly after, officials say.
Gossett, 32, is charged with three counts of possession of child pornography, one count of online impersonation, one count of online solicitation of a minor and one count of promotion of child pornography.
Parents of students at Anderson Elementary have been notified of the situation. At least one parent we spoke with didn't believe the accusations.
"I'm shocked," she said. "My son had him for honors choir in third, fourth and fifth grades and we've never had a problem with him. He's been great."
An arrest warrant has been issued for Gossett, but when investigators went to his home, he wasn't there, and they haven't yet been able to locate him.
The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with any information or who believe their child has had online contact with Gossett are encouraged to contact Harris County Precinct Four High Tech Crimes Unit, attention Sergeant Gary Spurger or Corporal Jeff Lee at 281-401-6228.
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