Teacher Arrested for Possession of Lewd Images

TRENT, TX -- The Department of Public Safety has confirmed a teacher at the Trent Independent School District has been arrested for possession of child pornography.

According to law enforcement, 61-year-old William Robert Farrar was arrested Monday morning in Merkel by DPS troopers.

According to the Trent ISD website, Farrar teaches math in 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade.

Trent ISD clarified no student was implicated in the situation and school equipment had not been used by Farrar.

Farrar was charged with possession with intent to promote child pornography. His bond was set at $20,000.

Trent ISD released the following statement regarding the situation.

"The Trent ISD Administration has been made aware that a district employee assigned to the High School campus was arrested and is facing child pornography charges. This employee was immediately placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of this matter and is barred from coming onto any district property at this time. Discussions with law enforcement confirmed that there is no Trent ISD student implicated in this situation and no Trent ISD equipment or resources were used."

"There has been concern expressed by some that this employee may have committed previous such acts. Law enforcement informed Trent ISD that any notation that might indicate there were previous charges of this nature was inadvertent and the result of a typo. The employee underwent the same rigorous background check that all employees for Trent ISD do, and he has no previous such convictions. The mistake in the charging information should be corrected soon to reflect that this is the first time this employee has been charged with such a crime."

"The district is cooperating with law enforcement in all respects, and takes this development very seriously. It is important to note, however, that the justice system must do its work and that the employee has not been convicted at this time. Trent ISD will continue to do everything possible to keep students and staff safe, whether from COVID-19 or other threats, and wishes you all a very happy holiday."