Tucson teacher accused of possessing child sexual abuse material

TUCSON, Arizona (13 News) – A Tucson Unified School District teacher has been arrested on ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Tucson USD confirmed that Leonard Jackson Drake, 46, is a faculty member but is prohibited from returning to work during the investigation.

“We want to reassure our community that this is an isolated incident and does not align with the policies, values ​​or standards of behavior we expect from our employees,” the district said in a statement to 13 News. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.”

TUSD said Drake passed a background check and had a valid fingerprint card.

The investigation began when the Tucson Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an individual who had uploaded suspected child sexual abuse material.

Detectives from the TPD, Arizona Attorney General’s Office, FBI and Department of Homeland Security began the investigation and identified Drake as a suspect.

According to TPD, Drake was teaching online classes for the Tucson Unified School District.

On Wednesday, May 29, a search warrant was executed at Drake’s home and several electronic devices were seized as evidence.

Drake was arrested on ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was booked into the Pima County Jail before being released into custody.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME.

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