In a deeply concerning development, a former teacher from Buckeye, Arizona, has been arrested on charges of luring and kidnapping a minor. Brendan Barnett, 36, was taken into custody on July 10, 2024, by Buckeye police with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. The arrest followed an investigation into inappropriate online communications between Barnett and a 12-year-old student.
The investigation was initiated on April 12, 2024, when school district officials reported possible inappropriate chats occurring within the school’s online communications portal. Barnett, who was a teacher at Verrado Middle School at the time, was identified as the adult involved in these communications with the young female student.
As detectives delved deeper into the case, they discovered that Barnett had been deceiving the victim’s parents. He invited the girl to his central Phoenix home for sleepovers, falsely claiming he was the parent of another Verrado Middle School student. This ruse allowed Barnett to be alone with the victim at his home on at least three occasions, raising significant concerns about the safety and well-being of the student.
The evidence collected during the investigation was presented to a Maricopa County Grand Jury, which subsequently indicted Barnett on one count of luring a minor for sex and three counts of kidnapping. These charges underscore the severity of Barnett’s alleged actions and the potential danger he posed to the victim.
Barnett was located and apprehended at a Phoenix library near 15th Ave and Montebello. His arrest was the result of meticulous investigative work and collaboration between the Buckeye police and the U.S. Marshals Service.
In a statement, the Buckeye Police Department expressed gratitude for the strong relationships and cooperation with local school officials, highlighting their unified goal of keeping students and staff safe. The department also extended thanks to the U.S. Marshals Service for their continued support and partnership throughout the investigation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in protecting children from harm. As the case against Brendan Barnett moves forward, the Buckeye community remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its students.
