Pasadena ISD teacher's aide faces sextortion charges

WEBSTER (KTRK) -- A Pasadena ISD teacher's aide faces sextortion charges and is accused of promotion of child pornography.

Eyewitness News sat down with JoAnne Musick, who oversees the Harris County District Attorney Sex Crimes' Unit.

Musick described "sextortion" as basically blackmailing another person into sending graphic material.

According to police, a child under the age of 18 told her family that 20-year-old Kimberly Tamayo was blackmailing her with threats to send nude images of her to her family if she did not send a nude to her.

Musick said detectives started investigating Tamayo following a tip through cybercrimes.

Webster Police Department investigators told ABC13, Tamayo started the online relationship via the social media website Twitter.

During the conversation, the young girl had sent inappropriate photos to Tamayo.

Law enforcement officials said those photos are considered to be child porn under Texas law.

"Part of this sextortion, Ms. Tamayo apparently threatened the child. She said I'm going to tell your family about what we've been doing, about what we've been talking about if you don't send me some nude photos," said Musick. "When the child did not respond, Ms. Tamayo is alleged to have forwarded those photos and contacted family members. The child felt even more threatened and knew this was real."

The minor lives out of state but has used video messaging with Tamayo on several occasions.

A search warrant was acquired on Jan. 24 and evidence was found at her home.

Two counts were filed against Tamayo for promotion of child pornography.

Tamayo is scheduled in court tomorrow. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.

Pasadena ISD released an official statement:

Student safety is always our primary concern. Pasadena ISD learned that Kimberly Tamayo, a 20 year old Special Education Aide at Jackson Intermediate School, was arrested on two counts of child pornography. The alleged victim was a 16 year old Maryland girl. Upon learning of the arrest, Pasadena ISD took immediate action and terminated Tamayo. This appears to be an isolated incident stemming from an online friendship. No Pasadena ISD students were involved or are believed to have been victims.