Former Shallowater ISD Band Director Indicted on Federal and State Child Abuse Charges

LUBBOCK, TX — A 27-year-old former assistant band director for Shallowater Independent School District is facing a lifetime behind bars following a federal indictment and separate state charges involving the sexual abuse of multiple students. Joseph Macauley Gonzalez was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, for Enticement of a Minor.

Gonzalez is currently held at the Lubbock County Jail on a $500,000 bond for state charges, but a federal detainer ensures he remains in custody regardless of bail.

Allegations of Grooming and Abuse

According to the federal complaint, Gonzalez began targeting a female student under the age of 17 in 2023. Investigators allege he initially used a school-approved communication app to establish contact before moving the relationship to private social media platforms and personal cell phone messaging.

The investigation revealed a disturbing timeline:

• Digital Solicitation: Beginning in October 2025, Gonzalez allegedly solicited the victim for nude photos and videos while sending explicit material of himself in return.
• Abuse on Campus: The indictment alleges that Gonzalez had sexual intercourse with the victim on multiple occasions inside the Shallowater High School band hall.
• Multiple Victims: While the federal indictment focuses on one student, state charges filed in March by the Texas Rangers and Lubbock County authorities include Continuous Sexual Abuse of Two or More Victims, indicating at least one other student was targeted.

Law Enforcement Response

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized the severity of the betrayal, stating, “Those who severely abuse trusted positions to prey on children… will be swiftly brought to justice.”

FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock credited the collaboration between the FBI, Texas Rangers, and Lubbock County deputies for uncovering the digital evidence used to secure the indictment.

What’s Next

Gonzalez is scheduled for his initial federal court appearance on April 20, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda Burch in Lubbock. If convicted on the federal enticement charge alone, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison.

Shallowater ISD officials confirmed that Gonzalez was placed on administrative leave in early February 2026 as soon as the allegations were reported and is no longer employed by the district.