A former Hardin-Jefferson High School teacher and football coach is facing a new federal charge alleging he used a minor to produce sexually explicit images, according to an indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
Derek Bryan Peveto was indicted Oct. 7 with one count of sexual exploitation of children, also known as production of child pornography, according to the federal indictment.
The indictment alleges that, on or about June 13, Peveto knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced a minor identified as Victim 1 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct.
According to the charging document, the alleged conduct involved digital devices, including an Apple iPad tablet. The indictment further alleges the visual depiction was produced using materials that had been mailed, shipped or transported through interstate or foreign commerce, including by computer.
If convicted, Peveto faces a prison sentence of 15 to 30 years.
Oct. 13, Thomas Kelley of the Gertz Kelley Law Firm filed a notice of appearance in federal court, stating he had been retained to represent Peveto in the case.
The federal indictment follows a separate state case in which Peveto was indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury Aug. 19 on a second-degree felony charge of trafficking a person to engage in conduct for sex or benefit.
According to a probable cause affidavit in the state investigation, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Peveto after meeting with the parents of a 16-year-old girl June 18. The parents voluntarily surrendered the girl’s electronic devices and reported she had been involved in a sexual relationship with a Hardin-Jefferson ISD educator and football coach.
Investigators reported recovering Facebook Messenger conversations, photographs and videos depicting the juvenile and Peveto engaged in sexual conduct.
The affidavit states the alleged relationship began in February 2026, while Peveto was employed as a special education teacher and football coach at Hardin-Jefferson ISD. He worked for the district from August 2024 until his resignation in May 2026.
Investigators reviewed school records showing the girl was enrolled in the district during the period of the alleged relationship. The affidavit also states that investigators identified multiple meetings between the two and recovered photographic and video evidence of sexual activity.
According to the affidavit, investigators identified alleged encounters in Jefferson, Hardin and Orange counties, including an incident on or about June 13 involving a vehicle at a convenience store in Sour Lake. The affidavit also describes alleged sexual contact at the Baten Arms Apartments in Beaumont and states Peveto provided the juvenile with gifts, including a separate cellphone for private communications.
The affidavit states investigators developed probable cause to believe Peveto trafficked a child for the purpose of engaging in sexual assault, indecency with a child, and possession of child pornography.
Derek Peveto