Kyle PD Arrests Dahlstrom MS Assistant Band Director For Child Pornography

KYLE, TEXAS – Kyle Police Department arrested Dahlstrom Middle School Assistant Band Director Tyler Townsend, 30, of Buda on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020.  

Townsend was charged with 10 felony counts of Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography and 10 felony counts of Invasive Visual Recordings.  

Kyle Police Department served a search warrant to Townsend, who recently moved to Buda from Kyle, in reference to an investigation of child pornography.

Several electronic devices were seized from Townsend’s home during the execution of the warrant.

After reviewing the devices, Kyle Police found that invasive visual recordings of unknowing students were on Townsend’s cell phone. Police are working to identify the victims of these visual recordings and will notify victims directly.  

Hays CISD immediately placed Townsend on administrative leave and on July 31, 2020, Townsend resigned his position with Hays CISD. Because his resignation is in conjunction with a criminal investigation, Hays CISD reported the matter to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).  

Townsend was first employed by Hays CISD at Dahlstrom Middle School on Aug. 17, 2015, after passing the comprehensive finger-print-based criminal background check required of all Hays CISD employees.  

Townsend, as assistant band director at Dahlstrom Middle School in Buda, directed the campus symphonic and jazz bands and the percussion program. Townsend also assisted with the Hays High School marching band program when Dahlstrom was a feeder middle school to Hays High School.  

Townsend is currently in the process of being booked into the Hays County Jail.  

“Child pornography is not a victimless crime and we are dedicated to working this case with the utmost diligence and are leaving no stone unturned,” said Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett.    

This investigation is ongoing.