A Phoenix mother has described feeling “heartbroken, sad, disgusted” after a third-grade teacher at Encanto Elementary School was arrested on federal charges involving child sexual abuse material.
Frances Garcia, whose five children attend the school, said one of them had been taught by Gabriel Lorenzo Chacon, 32. She told local media she had struggled to take her child to school after learning of the allegations.
“My child is here Monday through Friday all day while I’m at work,” Ms Garcia said. “Now, I had a very hard time dropping my child off today, not knowing if she was gonna be safe.” ([fox10phoenix.com](https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/phoenix-parents-demand-answers-after-encanto-elementary-teacher-faces-federal-child-sex-crime-charges?utm_source=openai))
Chacon, who taught at the Osborn School District school, faces federal charges of distributing child sexual abuse material and possessing or accessing it with the intention of viewing material involving children under 12.
According to a federal criminal complaint, the investigation began after an undercover Australian law enforcement officer monitoring an encrypted online chat contacted a user who claimed to be a third-grade teacher in Phoenix. Investigators allege the user sent five videos and photographs to the officer before the account was linked to Chacon.
Authorities say Chacon was arrested on October 7, 2026, after investigators connected the online account to his phone number and social-media profiles. Court documents state that he admitted using the encrypted platform and sharing material, while denying that he had ever had physical contact with a child or that any of the material involved pupils at Encanto Elementary School. ([azfamily.com](https://www.azfamily.com/2026/10/14/phoenix-3rd-grade-teacher-charged-with-child-sexual-abuse-related-crimes/?utm_source=openai))
The Osborn School District said it was informed by the FBI on the day of the arrest and immediately placed Chacon on administrative leave. His access to school buildings and district technology was restricted, and the matter was reported to the Arizona State Board of Education.
The district said law enforcement had provided assurances that there was no information linking any Osborn pupils to the reported criminal behaviour. It said it was co-operating fully with the investigation and taking measures to protect pupils’ safety and emotional wellbeing.
Some parents have criticised the timing and level of communication from the district, saying they were initially told only that Chacon had been placed on leave. Another parent, Josh Rodriguez, said he was worried about whether photographs of children could have been taken.
Parents were invited to meet school administrators at Encanto Elementary on October 14. Chacon remains in federal custody while the investigation continues. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/phoenix-parents-demand-answers-after-encanto-elementary-teacher-faces-federal-child-sex-crime-charges?utm_source=openai))
