An elementary school teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, was arrested by the FBI after he allegedly admitted to child sex crimes.
A federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona stated that Gabriel Lorenzo Chacon was taken into federal custody on October 7 after his home was raided, according to Fox 10 Phoenix. Chacon, 32, has been charged with distribution of child sexual abuse material and possession with intent to view child pornography involving victims under the age of 12.
The investigation into Chacon began when the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operation Unit received a tip from an undercover Australian law enforcement officer who was monitoring an encrypted chat group called “The Ganymedean Brotherhood.” The group chat was created to share illicit media involving infants and young children.
Authorities became aware of Chacon on October 2 when an account named “ND Dom” asked the group, “Hey friends, let’s say hypothetically you were a teacher and you had 3 hours to kill alone in your classroom afterschool [sic], what would you do.” The message was accompanied by three devil emojis.
“Hail satan hail pedo power!” Chacon also wrote in an alleged separate message, per federal documents, in which he expressed his desire to perform sex acts if he could between classes, adding, “trust me I would in a heartbeat.”
The undercover officer began a lengthy conversation with the user, who was later identified as Chacon. The defendant allegedly shared that he was a third-grade teacher and that he is attracted to young boys. He also allegedly sent five federally chargeable illicit videos that depicted child abuse to the officer, as well as selfies and his username on Telegram.
New South Wales Police Force detectives used open-source databases to connect the Telegram username to a phone number, which they learned was registered to Chacon. Investigators then found his Instagram account, which confirmed that he worked at Encanto Elementary School in the Osborn School District.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office confirmed that Chacon was actively employed at the school, and they matched his IP address to a residence that was registered under his name.
Federal agents reported to Chacon’s home on October 6 and conducted physical surveillance. Officers were then granted a court-authorized search warrant and they were able to take Chacon into custody.
Following his arrest, Chacon reportedly confessed to using the encrypted messaging platform, saving illicit media and sharing the files in the group chat. Chacon claimed that his actions were “just a fantasy” and said he never physically abused any minors or photographed his students.
Chacon also shared the passcodes to his devices and allowed the agents to seize his online accounts.
In light of his arrest, the Osborn School District confirmed Chacon’s arrest in a statement.
“We were assured that law enforcement had no information that any Osborn Elementary School students were connected in any way to the reported criminal behavior. The District is fully cooperating with law enforcement in its investigation,” the district said. “Immediately upon learning of Mr. Chacon’s arrest, the District placed him on administrative leave, restricted his access to district technology and buildings, and reported the information to the Arizona State Board of Education.”
The school district added that they “are taking all measures necessary to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of your children—our students.”
“We are also committed to ensuring that our students’ learning experiences continue seamlessly. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work through this situation,” the statement concluded.
It’s not currently clear if Chacon has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
