The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) confirmed the arrest of a longtime teaching assistant on Thursday. Kirk McFarland III, 72, from San Jose, faces a felony charge for possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, McFarland was arraigned on Wednesday. He was taken into custody on Monday at the Chandler Tripp Learning Center campus.
Deputies were alerted to McFarland’s alleged actions after a USB flash drive containing inappropriate images was discovered. The SCCOE employee who found the drive reported the matter to authorities, leading to an investigation.
The sheriff’s office stated that McFarland admitted to downloading and viewing sexually suggestive images of minors. While the SCCOE is working closely with law enforcement, they have confirmed that no students were involved in the case.
Dr. Charles Hinman, Interim County Superintendent of Schools, praised the quick action of the staff member who reported the concern. “This staff member’s actions led to an immediate response and allowed law enforcement to conduct an investigation and make an arrest,” he said.
McFarland had been employed at Chandler Tripp School for just over a month. The SCCOE did not disclose his previous employment history. Parents were notified of the arrest via a letter from the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is currently handling the investigation, which remains ongoing.
