Former Hoover High Principal Sentenced for Child Porn Possession

Charles Thomas Boyd DeFreitas received 8 years in prison for having over 600 images of child sexual abuse material.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A former associate principal at Hoover High School in San Diego, Charles Thomas Boyd DeFreitas, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for possession of child sex abuse material. DeFreitas, who worked in the San Diego Unified School District for over 13 years, pleaded guilty last year after being initially charged in state court. In his plea agreement, DeFreitas admitted possessing videos and images depicting juveniles engaged in sexual conduct on various electronic devices.

Why it matters

The case highlights the disturbing reality of child sexual abuse material and the betrayal of trust when educators abuse their positions of authority. It raises concerns about the vetting and oversight of school administrators, as well as the need for robust mental health support and trauma-informed practices in the education system.

The details

DeFreitas was arrested in March 2024 after a minor, a 17-year-old former student, reported that DeFreitas had sent and requested illicit images via a social media app. In his plea agreement, DeFreitas admitted possessing over 600 images of child sex abuse material on a laptop, cellphone, and four USB drives, with at least one person depicted being under the age of 12. The judge called DeFreitas' interaction with the former student a "gross abuse of trust" and said it was "unfathomable" that DeFreitas could seek out such material given his role working with at-risk children.

  • DeFreitas was arrested in March 2024.
  • DeFreitas pleaded guilty last year.
  • DeFreitas was sentenced on February 14, 2026.

The players

Charles Thomas Boyd DeFreitas

A former associate principal at Hoover High School in San Diego who worked in the school district for over 13 years, including as a teacher at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.

Robert Huie

The U.S. District Judge who sentenced DeFreitas to 8 years in prison.

Patrick Griffin

DeFreitas' attorney, who stated that severe childhood trauma and job-related stressors played a role in the crimes, but that DeFreitas has since made strides through treatment to address the underlying issues.

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What they’re saying

“I betrayed my role as an educator. I betrayed the trust of an entire community of people. I hurt parents, I hurt colleagues, and I let so many people down.”

— Charles Thomas Boyd DeFreitas (NBC San Diego)

“It was 'unfathomable' that DeFreitas could seek out child sex abuse material given his job working with at-risk children and knowing the impacts that trauma can have upon them.”

— Robert Huie, U.S. District Judge (NBC San Diego)

What’s next

The judge's decision on whether to allow DeFreitas out on bail during the appeals process is expected on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust background checks, mental health support, and trauma-informed practices in the education system to protect vulnerable students and maintain public trust in schools as safe havens.