SHERMAN, TX — A former Wylie East High School assistant principal has been indicted on federal child exploitation charges following a local and federal investigation into inappropriate digital communications with students.
Zachary Christian Neu, 32, of Richardson, was named in a federal indictment returned by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas, charging him with two counts of enticement of a minor. Neu made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Aileen Durrett on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He remains in custody at the Collin County Jail on a federal retainer agreement.
Digital Solicitations Spark Local Arrest
The investigation initially came to light on June 4, 2026, when the Wylie Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division arrested Neu on a state-level charge of Compelling Prostitution Under Age 18.
Detectives launched the probe after receiving reports that Neu, while serving as an assistant principal at Wylie East High School, was engaging in inappropriate communications with a recent 2026 graduate. According to investigators, digital messages revealed that Neu offered to purchase alcohol for the minor and send money for lingerie in exchange for sexual conduct.
Wylie school administrators cooperated with law enforcement throughout the initial inquiry, notifying parents of Wylie East families once detectives deemed it safe to release the information.
Search Warrants Reveal Second Student Victim
Following the initial arrest, Wylie investigators executed forensic search warrants on Neu's personal electronic devices. The digital analysis led to the identification of a second juvenile victim, resulting in an additional state charge of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student.
Due to the nature of the offenses, the FBI joined the investigation alongside the Wylie Police Department, culminating in the federal grand jury indictment in Sherman.
"The safety of our students is the top priority," the Wylie Police Department stated in a public brief. While authorities indicated there are no known additional victims at this stage, they are urging any students or parents who have concerns regarding interactions with Neu to contact the Wylie Police Department immediately.
The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey. In accordance with U.S. law, the indictment is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
