Former Hoover High School associate principal receives eight-year federal prison sentence for child sexual abuse material

Federal sentence follows 2024 arrest and 2025 guilty plea

A former administrator at Herbert Hoover High School in San Diego has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison after admitting to possessing child sexual abuse material. The sentencing was imposed in U.S. District Court in San Diego, concluding a case that began with a March 2024 arrest and proceeded through federal prosecution after the matter initially moved through state court.

The defendant, Charles Thomas Boyd DeFreitas, previously worked in the San Diego Unified School District for more than 13 years. His roles included serving as an associate principal at Hoover High School and earlier work as a teacher at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.

What the court records say about the evidence

In his plea agreement, DeFreitas admitted to possessing images and videos depicting juveniles engaged in sexual conduct. The material was found across multiple devices, including a laptop and cellphone, as well as several USB storage drives.

The plea agreement described the offense conduct as involving more than 600 images. It also stated that DeFreitas was aware at least one person depicted in the material was under the age of 12.

• Case originated after a minor reported that DeFreitas sent and requested illicit images via a social media application.
• Statements during the sentencing hearing identified the reporting juvenile as a 17-year-old former student.
• The prosecution ultimately proceeded in federal court after the case transitioned from the state system.

Judge cites professional role and community trust

During sentencing, the presiding judge emphasized the conflict between the defendant’s professional responsibilities and the conduct described in the case. The court also addressed concerns raised during the hearing about the nature of DeFreitas’ interaction with the former student, describing it as a serious breach of trust.

The sentencing hearing focused on the harm associated with child sexual abuse material and the heightened responsibility placed on adults working with minors in school settings.

Defense arguments and defendant statement

In court, the defense argued that DeFreitas’ background and personal history were relevant to understanding the circumstances that led to the offense and said he had taken steps toward treatment. DeFreitas also made a statement expressing shame and acknowledging the impact of his actions on students, families, colleagues, and the broader community.

District employment status

DeFreitas is no longer employed by the San Diego Unified School District. Following the arrest, he had been placed on unpaid leave and later resigned from his position.

The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of safeguarding practices in schools, particularly when allegations involve educator-student interactions outside appropriate professional boundaries and the handling of reports that may trigger criminal investigations.