Docs: IOW teacher admits to 1060 child sexual abuse images on phone
Dec 13, 2024
ISLE OF WIGHT, Va. (WAVY) — A teacher at an Isle of Wight private school is facing several child sexual abuse material charges, deputies said.
According to the Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office, 37-year-old Zachary Austin Hinz was arrested on charges related to the possession of child pornography. Hinz is a teacher at Isle of Wight Academy.
Zachary Hinz (Courtesy: Western Tidewater Regional Jail)
As the result of an investigation conducted by law enforcement and The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Hinz was taken into custody on Dec. 12, where he was charged with one count of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation and facilitation of child pornography in the first offense, and two counts in the second offense.
Court documents revealed uploaded five files to an online platform, three of which showing juvenile males engaged in sexual conduct.
After arresting Hinz and advising him of his Miranda Rights, he admitted to an investigator at the scene the account belonged to him and that he had received between 10 to 20 images of child sexual abuse material on his cell phone, the documents state.
Deputies said they are working closely with Isle of Wight Academy to ensure the safety of all students. No students at the academy are believed to be harmed or exploited by Hinz.
The case remains under investigation, and deputies said additional charges may be pending.
Hinz is currently being held without bond at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail.
"The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office is committed to thoroughly investigating and prosecuting crimes of this nature," Sheriff James R. Clarke Jr. said. "We are deeply disturbed by these allegations and will continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served."
10 On Your Side has reached out for a statement from the school.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.