Former Texas Coach Sentenced to 30 Years for Trying to Entice Minor on Snapchat

Kenneth Wayne Mulkey contacted a 14-year-old Florida boy and sent explicit images before his 2025 arrest.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:43pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged smartphone screen, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violation of trust and damage caused by a predator infiltrating the education system.The harsh, unforgiving light of this crime scene evidence captures the devastating impact when those entrusted to protect children betray that responsibility.Sabinal Today

A former high school teacher and coach in Sabinal, Texas has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a 14-year-old Florida boy on Snapchat. Kenneth Wayne Mulkey, 44, was convicted of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor after identifying himself as a 40-year-old football and track coach and requesting sexually explicit photos from the victim.

Why it matters

This case highlights the critical role educators and coaches play in safeguarding children, and the serious consequences when that trust is violated through predatory behavior targeting minors. It also underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation through programs like Project Safe Childhood.

The details

During conversations with someone he believed to be 14, Mulkey requested sexually explicit photos. Geolocation data placed him within 40 meters of Sabinal High School during the initial messages. The next day, he sent a sexually graphic photo of himself and continued explicit communication. Mulkey was arrested on Jan. 31, 2025, indicted on Feb. 19, 2025, and pleaded guilty to one of two counts on Aug. 11, 2025.

  • Mulkey was arrested on January 31, 2025.
  • Mulkey was indicted on February 19, 2025.
  • Mulkey pleaded guilty to one of two counts on August 11, 2025.

The players

Kenneth Wayne Mulkey

A 44-year-old former high school teacher and coach in Sabinal, Texas who was convicted of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas who praised law enforcement for ensuring a child predator who violated the trust of the education system remains in federal prison for decades.

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What they’re saying

“I applaud our law enforcement partners who investigated this matter and ensured a child predator who had infiltrated our education system remains in federal prison for the next three decades.”

— Justin R. Simmons, U.S. Attorney

The takeaway

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of those entrusted with educating and mentoring young people. It underscores the need for vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement, schools, and communities to protect vulnerable children from predatory behavior.