Liberty County, TX – May 8, 2025 — A former middle school principal who served in both Hardin and Liberty Independent School Districts has been formally indicted on two counts of possession of child pornography, according to court records released this week.
Chad Dwight Barrett, 56, was indicted by a Liberty County grand jury on Wednesday, May 7. The charges allege that Barrett knowingly possessed visual material depicting a child under the age of 18 engaged in sexual conduct.
Barrett most recently served as principal of Hardin Middle School before being placed on administrative leave in November 2024, following his arrest on related charges. The investigation began after a juvenile student and the student’s mother reported receiving an inappropriate video via social media, which authorities say was allegedly sent by Barrett.
During the course of the investigation, detectives with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and reportedly discovered images and videos of child pornography on Barrett’s personal cell phone. Law enforcement officials stated that Barrett cooperated with investigators and provided a statement regarding the material.
Hardin ISD responded swiftly to the allegations, placing Barrett on administrative leave and notifying parents and staff of the situation. In a subsequent school board meeting held on November 18, 2024, the board recommended Barrett’s termination and appointed Leanna Stringer as interim principal.
Barrett remains in custody at the Liberty County Jail with bond set at $10,000 for each of the two charges. Possession of child pornography is classified as a third-degree felony in Texas, carrying potential penalties of two to ten years in prison per count, if convicted.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged parents to speak with their children and report any inappropriate communications they may have received from Barrett. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the department at 936-336-4500.
The case is expected to proceed to trial later this year.