Former Sabinal Teacher Sentenced to 30 Years for Attempted Coercion of Minor

Kenneth Wayne Mulkey, 44, used Snapchat to communicate with someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered smartphone screen, the broken glass reflecting a faint blue light, conceptually illustrating the vulnerability of digital communication.The harsh, unforgiving light of a camera flash exposes the fragility of digital devices, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk within online spaces.Del Rio Today

Kenneth Wayne Mulkey, a former high school teacher and coach in Sabinal, Texas, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Mulkey, 44, used Snapchat on October 11, 2024, to communicate with a user he believed to be a 14-year-old boy from Orlando.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of adults using digital platforms to target and exploit minors, underscoring the need for greater online safety education and vigilance by parents, schools, and law enforcement.

The details

Mulkey was arrested after engaging in sexually explicit conversations and attempting to meet up with the person he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Authorities were able to trace the Snapchat account back to Mulkey, a former teacher and coach at Sabinal High School.

  • On October 11, 2024, Mulkey used Snapchat to communicate with someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy.
  • Mulkey was arrested and sentenced on April 3, 2026.

The players

Kenneth Wayne Mulkey

A 44-year-old former high school teacher and coach in Sabinal, Texas, who was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

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What’s next

The case serves as a reminder for parents and schools to remain vigilant about online safety and the potential for predators to target minors through digital platforms.

The takeaway

This sentencing highlights the serious consequences for adults who attempt to exploit and coerce minors, and underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect vulnerable young people from online predators.