This article was updated at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 10.
YPAS teacher and community actor Brian Hinds has been charged with distributing and possessing child pornography, per the United States Attorney’s Office, following his arrest on Thursday, Oct. 9.
According to the press release, 51-year-old Hinds was distributing the material to an undercover police officer. He admitted to both sending and receiving child sexual abuse material through online messaging on Oct. 9 during an interview.
On the same day as his arrest, Principal Michael Newman sent a statement to Manual students, families and staff stating that the allegations involving a staff member were not connected to Manual students.
Hinds is currently being held in Oldham County Detention Center. He will make an initial appearance on Oct. 10 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If he is convicted, he will face a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison. He has no option of parole in the federal system.
“We are following all JCPS policies and procedures; and while this situation is ongoing, the staff member will not be reporting to duPont Manual/YPAS,” Newman’s statement said.
Newman declined to comment further on the situation.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) press office said that they “assisted with this investigation” and referred further questions to the Louisville FBI, which declined to comment to Manual RedEye on an active investigation.
Hinds has taught at YPAS for 13 years, following his hiring in August 2012. He taught Theater 1, Theater 3, Playwriting 1 and a humanities class. He has also regularly directed YPAS’ annual plays. Outside of YPAS, Hinds has performed in numerous productions at local theaters including the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park, Derby Dinner Playhouse and CenterStage. Prior to his hiring, Hinds taught at the Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine for 10 years.
“I’ve only had [Hinds] since the beginning of this year, but right off the bat he made a very caring and professional impression. His class was one of my favorites and this news is a complete shock,” a YPAS student, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
The FBI Louisville Field Office asked for any information to help further the investigation be sent to [email protected].
Manual students in need of support can find information at the counseling office on the first floor or on the Manual counseling website. Students can email their counselor directly to request a meeting or can let a teacher know that they would like to speak to a counselor.
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