Staff Report
DRIPPING SPRINGS -- Kevin James McLean, a Dripping Springs (ISD) Middle School teacher, was arrested on Thursday, May 5, for participating in inappropriate communication with students. He was also accused of giving juveniles nicotine and THC vapes.
McLean was hired on Aug. 11, 2020, after passing a national, fingerprint-based background check required for all employees and was then assigned to teach and coach track at DSMS, according to a statement released by DSISD. On April 27, 2022, DSISD placed McLean on leave and immediately removed his access to all campuses and students related to alleged improper social media posts.
Investigators learned at the time the information was discovered that the reporting party was in Austin and a report was filed with the Austin Police Department. Investigators with the Hays County Sheriff's Office immediately coordinated efforts with the Austin Police Department and DSISD.
McLean had sent the juvenile victims inappropriate images through the Snapchat application, according to a news release by the Hays County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, it was discovered McLean provided the juvenile victims with both nicotine and THC vapes.
On May 5, investigators with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office presented Affidavits of Probable Cause to Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace John Burns, who issued seven arrest warrants for McLean. Those seven arrests warrants are as follows:
- Four charges of Sale, Distribution or Display of Harmful Material to a Minor, Class A Misdemeanor
- Three charges of Distribution of Controlled Substance to a Minor, 2nd Degree Felony
At approximately 2:10 pm on May 5, McLean was located and placed him into custody without incident. McLean was booked into the Hays County Jail and is awaiting magistration.
"McLean will not be returning to any campus or DSISD property, as DSISD had previously received and accepted his resignation unrelated to the recent allegations," the district's statement said. "Dripping Springs ISD is committed to the safety and security of all students. The district continues to partner with law enforcement agencies to help ensure the safety of the children in the Dripping Springs community and all students across Texas."
Because there is an active investigation with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Austin Police Department, DSISD is not available to provide further comment at this time.
"Sheriff Gary Cutler would like to remind parents to monitor their children’s safe use of phones, tablets, and computers," the news release stated. "Unfortunately, circumstances such as these occur as more and more people have access to the latest technology; however, understanding the importance of safe use is paramount."
If you have information regarding this investigation, contact Sergeant Mark Opiela with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-324-8466 or you can submit your information on-line to Tip Line P3tips.com as well as submit a tip on the Hays County Sheriff’s Office App.
