Associate principal suspected of 'distributing lewd matter to a minor'

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The associate principal at Hoover High School has been arrested and placed on administrative leave due to the alleged findings of an investigation conducted by the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to the school.

In a statement released to parents and staff Thursday, the school's head principal, Tracey Makings, said Charles De Freitas, 41, was arrested off campus Wednesday.

San Diego police say De Freitas was taken into custody on suspicion of distributing lewd content and possession of child pornography.

Police say they launched an investigation after a minor indicated that De Freitas allegedly sent and requested illicit messages on social media. Detectives served a search warrant and seized several devices to look for additional evidence.

De Freitas was booked into the Central Detention Facility.

According to Makings, De Freitas will not be allowed on campus pending an investigation. Makings said the school district and Hoover High's police department are supporting investigators as needed. 

"At Hoover, our first priority is to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students. We also believe in communicating openly with our students and parents about incidents that affect our campus," Makings stated.

De Freitas has worked for San Diego Unified School District for more than 13 years, previously working as a teacher at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, according to police.

Anyone with concerns about a student's interaction with De Freitas is encouraged contact the task force at 858-495-4779 or San Diego Unified School District Police Department at 619-725-7000.

"Please know that we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our students. Counseling services are available for any student who may need support during this challenging time," Makings continued.

De Freitas is scheduled to be arraigned March 28 at 1:30 p.m. at the San Diego Superior Court.