Former Verrado Middle School teacher Brendan Barnett was arrested Wednesday on charges of luring and kidnapping a 12-year-old female student.
The 36-year-old teacher was investigated following an April 12 report from school district officials regarding "inappropriate chats" between Barnett and the victim on the school's online communications portal, according to a BPD press release.
"During the investigation, detectives learned Barnett lied to the victim's parents when inviting her to his central Phoenix home for sleepovers," the release reads. "Barnett claimed he was the parent of a Verrado Middle School student who would be attending the sleepovers."
Barnett is not a parent of a Verrado Middle Schools student. According to the release, Barnett and the victim were alone at his home on at least three occasions.
According to a press release from the Litchfield Elementary School District No. 79, Barnett was put on leave when allegations came to light. His employment ended May 14. The Arizona Department of Education has been alerted of the investigation.
A Maricopa County Grand Jury indicted Barnett on one count of luring a minor for sex and three counts of kidnapping. He was arrested by BPD and the U.S. Marshals at the Phoenix library at 15th Avenue and Montebello.
"The Buckeye Police Department is grateful for our relationships and collaboration with local school officials with the unified goal of keeping students and staff safe," reads the BPD release. "We thank the U.S. Marshals Service for their continued support and partnership."
According to the school district's press release, Barnett underwent a fingerprint and background clearance check prior to being employed and has no prior reports of misconduct.
"As the legal process moves forward, LESD79 will continue to fully cooperate with the Buckeye Police Department," the school district press release states. "We want to reassure our community that we are taking this matter seriously and are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all of our students."
