A Texas kindergarten teacher was arrested for allegedly soliciting minors online during a week-long sting operation.

Brian Schultz, 39, was taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with online solicitation of a minor. He had been teaching kindergarten at Snyder Elementary in Conroe Independent School District since August 2021, according to KHOU 11.

The Precinct 3 Constable’s Office and the Houston Area Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force initiated their investigation on April 21, posing as minors online to identify adults seeking to engage with minors, as reported by Click2Houston.

Following Schultz’s arrest, the school district terminated his employment immediately. “Upon learning of his arrest, we initiated the necessary personnel processes to end his employment with the district,” said Principal Crystal Poncho.

Conroe ISD administration has reached out to the parents and guardians of students associated with Schultz to inform them of the situation and reaffirm their commitment to student safety.

“I want to assure you that Snyder Elementary and Conroe ISD are committed to providing a safe learning environment for your children,” Poncho stated. She emphasized that the “alleged actions of this individual do not reflect the professionalism and care exhibited by our Snyder Stallion staff, who strive to provide our students with a quality education.”

School officials are urging anyone with information about the investigation to contact the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office at 281-364-4211.

Schultz faces a second-degree felony charge for online solicitation of a minor, according to Click2Houston.

[Feature Photo via MCSO]