News Summary
The San Antonio community is reeling as Zaid Mashhour Haddad, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, was arrested on federal child pornography charges. The allegations include possession of disturbing child sexual abuse material and streaming this content during a law enforcement investigation. UTSA has placed Haddad on paid administrative leave while investigating the situation. The case is part of a broader initiative targeting child exploitation across the nation, intensifying discussions on abusive behaviors and community safety.
San Antonio Community in Shock as UTSA Professor Arrested on Serious Charges
In a startling turn of events, the city of San Antonio is grappling with the recent news of an assistant professor from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) who was arrested on federal charges of child pornography. Zaid Mashhour Haddad, an educator at UTSA since 2014, was taken into custody on April 29, 2025, right on the main campus. This development has raised significant concerns within the university community and beyond.
Details of the Arrest
According to the latest reports from the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Haddad faces serious allegations, including one count of possession of child pornography and one count of knowingly accessing materials containing child pornography. Authorities have unveiled chilling details, stating that Haddad allegedly had hundreds of videos depicting disturbing child sexual abuse material.
The investigation revealed a more alarming scenario when law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Haddad’s residence. They found him streaming this highly inappropriate content from his computer to a television. In a shocking discovery, one of the videos was actively displayed on the TV when the authorities arrived. This alarming scenario highlights the serious nature of the charges he faces.
Evidence and Investigation
The evidence collected during the investigation includes a link received through the Telegram messaging app, which contained an eye-watering 181 videos of child abuse material. Investigators uncovered that the Telegram links often led to virtual Zoom meetings where this horrific content was live-streamed.
If convicted, Haddad could face up to 20 years in prison, coupled with a lifetime of supervised release, a significant fine of $250,000, and registration as a sex offender. This potential outcome underscores the seriousness of the charges and the impact they could have on Haddad’s future.
UTSA’s Response
In light of these developments, UTSA has placed Haddad on paid administrative leave while the case unfolds. The university has also started its own internal investigation but has stated that there are no indications university resources were involved in these serious allegations. This assurance aims to maintain the integrity of the institution amidst the unfolding scandal.
Wider Context: Operation Restore Justice
This case is part of a broader initiative from the Department of Justice known as Operation Restore Justice, which has led to over 205 arrests across the nation related to child sexual exploitation. This initiative highlights the ongoing battle against child exploitation and underscores the severity of these crimes.
A Brief Background on Zaid Mashhour Haddad
Before joining the ranks at UTSA, Haddad was a visiting faculty member and doctoral student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has a background in education, having taught high school social studies and served as a student council advisor for five years. His lengthy career as an educator means this news is even more shocking to peers, students, and the community.
As San Antonio processes this shocking news, many are left to wonder how such allegations could emerge from someone who once served as a guide and mentor to many young minds. The impact of Haddad’s actions will undoubtedly resonate within the university community for some time to come.
As the investigation continues and as more information comes to light, the situation remains fluid. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and support one another during this unsettling time.
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Additional Resources
- News4SanAntonio
- Wikipedia: Child pornography
- KSAT
- Google Search: UTSA professor arrested child pornography
- KENS5
- Google Scholar: Child exploitation criminal laws
- ExpressNews
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child exploitation
- New York Post
- Google News: UTSA professor child pornography
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
