Austin, Texas, January 7, 2026
Carl David Innmon, a former fifth-grade teacher in Austin Independent School District, has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. Federal investigators found over 365,000 illicit files on his devices, including AI-generated images depicting minors from his classroom. He faces up to 20 years in prison for this offense. Innmon was arrested in April and had previously worked as a substitute teacher in multiple schools. The case is being investigated by the FBI and is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative to combat child exploitation.
Austin, Texas – Former Elementary School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Carl David Innmon, 51, a former fifth-grade teacher in the Austin Independent School District (AISD), has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in federal court. He faces up to 20 years in prison for this offense.
In March 2025, federal investigators discovered that Innmon possessed over 365,000 illicit files, including images of minors under 12 years old. Some of these images were AI-generated from real classroom photos, depicting students from Baranoff Elementary School, where Innmon taught sign language. Two of the children identified were his students.
Innmon was arrested in April 2025 and had previously worked as a substitute teacher at approximately 20 other schools within the district. He is scheduled for sentencing, where a federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. It is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Background on Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, the project marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Recent Related Cases in Texas
- Former Eanes ISD Teacher Charged with 17 Counts Related to Child Pornography
- Former Navasota ISD Teacher Sentenced to 5 Years for Possessing Child Pornography
- Former HISD Elementary Teacher Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Pornography Convictions
Zachary Barnett, 26, a former music teacher at Cedar Creek Elementary School, was charged with 17 counts related to child pornography, including one count of sexual performance by a child and six counts of possession of child pornography. He was arrested in February 2025 after resigning from his position. Barnett had worked in the Eanes Independent School District for three years. His case is being heard in the 167th District Court in Travis County.
In April 2025, a former Navasota Independent School District teacher was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material. The teacher was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following the completion of the prison term. During this period, the individual will have restricted access to children and the internet and will be required to register as a sex offender.
In September 2013, Juan Antonio Villarreal, a 53-year-old former third-grade teacher at a Houston elementary school, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and possession of child pornography. Villarreal had been a teacher for several years before his arrest. He was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison term and to register as a sex offender.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Carl David Innmon, 51, former fifth-grade teacher in Austin ISD |
| Offense | Possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) |
| Quantity of CSAM | Over 365,000 illicit files, including images of minors under 12 years old |
| AI-Generated Content | Some images were AI-generated from real classroom photos, depicting students from Baranoff Elementary School |
| Identified Victims | Two children identified as students at Baranoff Elementary School |
| Previous Employment | Substitute teacher at approximately 20 other schools within the district |
| Legal Proceedings | Pleaded guilty; faces up to 20 years in prison; sentencing pending |
| Investigating Agencies | FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division |
| Initiative Involved | Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse |
FAQs
What is Project Safe Childhood?
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, the project marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
What are the potential consequences for individuals convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material?
Individuals convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material can face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. For example, Carl David Innmon faces up to 20 years in prison for his conviction. Sentences vary based on the specifics of each case and the applicable laws.
How can parents and communities protect children from online exploitation?
Parents and communities can protect children from online exploitation by educating them about internet safety, monitoring their online activities, and encouraging open communication. It’s also important to be aware of the signs of online exploitation and to report any suspicious behavior to authorities.
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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FBI Cracks Major Child Exploitation Ring
Former Teacher Indicted on Child Pornography Charges
Austin ISD Faces Controversy Over Principal and Teacher Termination
Austin Teacher Arrested for Child Pornography Charges
Alarming Developments at Baranoff Elementary School
Child Pornography Charges Against Teacher in Austin, Texas
Fifth-Grade Teacher Arrested for Child Pornography in Austin
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