TUCSON (AZ)
KVOA-TV [Tucson AZ]
March 26, 2026
A middle school teacher and high school coach in Tucson has been arrested on child sexual abuse material charges following an investigation that began with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), according to the Tucson Police Department.
In December 2025, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a report from NCMEC regarding an individual who had uploaded suspected child sexual abuse material. Detectives with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department determined the suspect was located in the Tucson area and transferred the case to TPD’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit.
TPD detectives worked with TPD’s Forensic Electronic Media Unit and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to identify and locate the suspect. Through the investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 48-year-old Timothy James Sonier.
Investigators learned Sonier is a teacher at Dodge Traditional Magnet School within the Tucson Unified School District and serves as an athletic coach at Salpointe Catholic High School. Both institutions were notified of the investigation.
On March 26, with assistance from HSI and TPD’s Forensic Electronic Media Unit, investigators obtained and served search warrants at Sonier’s residence on Tucson’s east side and at Dodge Traditional Magnet School, where he was initially contacted by detectives. Investigators located several electronic devices during the searches.
A forensic review of those devices established probable cause to charge Sonier with 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. He was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on those charges.
Investigators have not identified any known local victims associated with this case. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to call 88-CRIME. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
TUSD administration provided News 4 Tucson with a statement, saying:
“The Tucson Unified School District is aware of the recent arrest of one of our employees.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We are deeply concerned by the nature of this law enforcement situation and are cooperating fully with the Tucson Police Department in their investigation.
“The employee has been detained by Tucson Police Department Detectives and has also been immediately placed on administrative leave by the district pending the results and outcome of the legal process associated with this ongoing law enforcement investigation. Hiring documents show that the employee successfully passed a criminal background check and continued to maintain a valid fingerprint clearance card as required by the Arizona Department of Public Safety throughout his time as an employee of the district.
“We want to reassure our community that this is an isolated incident that does not reflect the policies, values, or standards of behavior that we expect from our staff members. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
“Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation and legal matter, we are unable to provide further details. We ask for your understanding and patience as we work through this situation. We have full confidence in the law enforcement professionals of the Tucson Police Department to conduct a thorough investigation.”
The Diocese of Tucson also released a statement following Sonier’s arrest, saying:
“The Diocese of Tucson is aware that Timothy James Sonier, an athletic coach at Salpointe Catholic High School was arrested and charged with ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The diocese takes these allegations very seriously and is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.
“Salpointe Catholic High School has notified the students and families who have had direct interaction with the suspect. The safety and well-being of all students remain our highest priority. To ensure that the diocese fully supports the students, counselors will be made immediately available to the student body and school staff.
“The Diocese of Tucson requires that all employees and volunteers complete a rigorous background check before ministering or working in the diocese.
“To preserve the integrity of the investigation and to respect the privacy of all individuals involved, the diocese will not be making any further comment at this time. If you have any information about possible sexual abuse, the diocese urges you to contact local law enforcement. The Diocese of Tucson asks everyone to hold in prayer all those affected at this difficult time.”