05/31/2026
Substitute Teacher Arrested on Child Po*******hy Charge in DeSoto County
A substitute teacher who taught at Hernando High School has been arrested on a child po*******hy charge, according to the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said Preston Ivan Lewis, 69, was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of Child Po*******hy (Producing, Sending, Receiving, Distribution, or Possession) following an investigation by local law enforcement.
Officials said Lewis taught Spanish as a substitute teacher at Hernando High School. However, the district attorney’s office emphasized that Lewis was not directly employed by the DeSoto County School District. Instead, he worked through Kelly Services, a third-party staffing company that provides substitute personnel to school districts.
District Attorney Matthew Barton said investigators are continuing to examine digital evidence and are working to identify any additional victims. Officials stated that all identifiable individuals connected to the investigation have been contacted and that any newly identified victims will be notified immediately.
The district attorney praised the swift response from the DeSoto County School District and law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
