UPDATE: Dripping Springs ISD teacher and coach arrested after investigation of inappropriate communication with students

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

UPDATE: This article was updated at 4:36 p.m. to provide additional information from the Dripping Springs Independent School District.

On April 27, 2022, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office became aware of an investigation regarding inappropriate communication between Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) middle school students and a teacher. The teacher was identified as 30-year-old Kevin James McLean, who was charged with Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Materials to a Minor and Distribution of a Controlled Substance to a Minor.

According to the district, on April 27, DSISD placed McLean on leave and immediately removed his access to DSISD campuses and students related to alleged improper social media posts. 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.

DSISD said McLean was assigned to teach and coach track at Dripping Springs Middle School. He was hired on August 11, 2020, and passed a national, fingerprint-based background check required for all employees.

Investigators learned at the time the information was discovered, the reporting party was in Austin and a report was filed with the Austin Police Department. Hays County Sheriff’s Office Investigators immediately coordinated their efforts with the Austin Police Department and Dripping Springs ISD.

Through the course of the investigation, Investigators learned McLean had sent the juvenile victims inappropriate images through the application, Snapchat. Additionally, it was discovered McLean provided the juvenile victims with both nicotine and THC vapes.

On May 5, 2022, 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.

The seven arrests warrants include 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.

On May 5, 2022, at approximately 2:10 p.m., Investigators located McLean and placed him into custody without incident. McLean was booked into the Hays County Jail and is awaiting magistration.

“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,” the DSISD said in a press release. 

DSISD said that due to the ongoing investigation, they are unable 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. 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.