TUCSON (AZ)
KOLD-TV [Tucson AZ]
March 26, 2026
By Michael Cooper
Timothy James Sonier taught at Dodge Middle, coached at Salpointe Catholic
A Tucson teacher and coach has been arrested in a child porn case, and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The Tucson Police Department said 48-year-old Timothy James Sonier is facing 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was being held on a $50,000 bond.
Sonier, a teacher at Dodge Middle and a coach at Salpointe Catholic High, was arrested on Thursday, March 26.
The TPD said the investigation began in December 2025, when the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about someone uploading child sexual abuse material.
During the investigation, the LVMPD found out that the suspect lived in Tucson and contacted the TPD’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit.
Sonier made his first court appearance late Thursday night, and you can watch that video before. The defense claimed Sonier has no criminal history and has lived in Tucson for the last 28 years. The judge ordered him to stay away from any victims and that he can not have any internet access. He has a preliminary hearing set for 1:30 p.m. on April 6.
The Tucson Unified School District said Sonier has been placed on administrative leave, but he had previously passed a background check. 13 News has reached out to Salpointe Catholic for a statement.
TUSD said, “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.”
According to a Salpointe Catholic website, Sonier is or was the head coach of the girls’ JV team.
The website said Sonier was born in Illinois and graduated from the University of Phoenix. He has also worked at Dietz K-8, Catalina High, and Sabino High.
The Diocese of Tucson told 13 News that “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 TPD said investigators looked at several electronic devices during searches of his home on Tucson’s east side as well as Dodge Middle.
“At this time, investigators have not identified any known local victims associated with this case,” the TPD said in a release. “While many ICAC investigations involve victims who are located outside of the United States, this case involves a suspect in a position of trust within the local community who worked directly with children in both educational and coaching roles.”
The charges have come as a shock for many, especially for parents and children who were taught by Sonier over the last few years.
13 News spoke to 18-year-old Christopher Armendarez Wilson, who was Sonier’s student at Dodge about four years ago.
He said he was surprised and disgusted when he learned about the charges.
“It just feels really weird that someone that I knew personally could be involved in something like that, and me not knowing anything about that until now,” Wilson said.
Armandarez Wilson’s mother, Alexandria, explained that at the time her kids were Sonier’s students, she didn’t feel insecure about having her kids under his care, but now, she feels disturbed.
“I mean, we didn’t have any issues while my children were in his class, but just knowing that somebody could be employed in a school district, dealing on a daily basis with children, is pretty disturbing, pretty shocking,” Armandarez added.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME.
FULL STATEMENT FROM TUCSON UNIFIED
“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.”
FULL STATEMENT FROM DIOCESE OF TUCSON
“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.”