Web Desk
AUSTIN, TEXAS – A fifth-grade teacher at a South Austin elementary school is now facing additional charges in a child pornography case.
On March 11, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) informed the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Police Department that Carl Innmon, 50, was under investigation for possession of child pornography, a first-degree felony, according to AISD officials.
Newly filed court documents from March 14 reveal that Innmon, a teacher at Baranoff Elementary School, is now also charged with possession of child pornography with intent to promote, a second-degree felony, and possession or promotion of lewd visual material depicting a child, a state jail felony.
Teacher Placed on Leave
AISD stated in a letter that it immediately placed Innmon on administrative leave after learning about the investigation.
This was his first year teaching at the school, and he was last seen on campus on March 10.
As of Monday afternoon, court records did not list an attorney for Innmon.
Police Findings
According to police affidavits, investigators discovered over 365,000 images of child sexual abuse on Innmon’s electronic devices.
Some of these images included AI-generated depictions of two AISD students from the elementary school.
Authorities stated that Innmon used an artificial intelligence tool to manipulate student photos, making them sexually explicit.
Authorities Seeking Information
In a letter to parents, AISD assured families that DPS and district police are working to identify and notify affected students.
Officials urged anyone with relevant information to contact Austin ISD Police.
Since the school district is currently on break, AISD recommended that families needing support contact the mental health services provider Integral Care at 512-472-4357.
Arrest and Bond Conditions
According to Travis County jail records, police arrested Innmon on March 14 and released him on bond on March 16.
His bond conditions prohibit him from having contact with minors and require him to avoid locations where children are commonly present. He is also barred from using the internet.
AI-Generated Pornography and Legislative Action
The use of AI-generated child pornography has gained the attention of lawmakers.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) recently introduced a bill to criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated explicit content.
The measure was passed by the U.S. Senate last month.
