A substitute teacher working in Cameron County has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to 21 felony counts involving child sexual abuse material and related offenses. The Cameron County District Attorney’s Office announced that Leif Ericson Varnum entered the plea in State of Texas v. Leif Ericson Varnum. The court imposed a 30-year sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for possession of child pornography involving more than 500 visual depictions.

In addition, eight counts of possession of child pornography involving children under the age of 10 resulted in 20-year sentences on each count. Six counts of sexual performance by a child under 14 years of age also resulted in 20-year sentences on each count. Six counts of invasive visual recording resulted in two-year state jail sentences. All sentences will run concurrently.

Recordings Made Inside Elementary Classroom Restroom

Prosecutors said the case involved a substitute teacher who secretly recorded kindergarten students while they used a classroom restroom with the door open. Authorities stated the children were unaware they were being recorded. The investigation began after a USB camera was discovered during remodeling work at Varnum’s residence. Law enforcement later executed a search warrant and reported finding numerous videos and images depicting child sexual abuse material. The fact that the recordings were made by a substitute teacher entrusted with supervising young students was important to the case described by prosecutors, who characterized it as a serious breach of trust involving elementary-aged children.

District Attorney: “A Breach of Trust”

Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz called the case “a deeply disturbing case involving a breach of trust against some of our most vulnerable children.”

“Let this serve as a clear message: anyone who exploits children will be aggressively prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Saenz said. “Our office remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”

Saenz also recognized Lead Prosecutor Melanie C. Palomo, Assistant District Attorney Jared Gover, and Paralegal Claudia Garcia for their work on the case. The district attorney’s office thanked the Laguna Vista Police Department and the Port Isabel Independent School District administration for their assistance in the investigation.

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