Former Shallowater ISD Assistant Band Director Indicted for Enticement of a Minor

A former Shallowater ISD assistant band director was indicted by a federal grand jury for enticement of a minor after engaging in a sexual relationship with a female high school student, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.

Joseph Macauley Gonzalez, 27, was charged by a federal criminal complaint in mid-March and indicted on April 8, 2026, for the federal offense of enticement of a minor. He is set for an initial appearance on April 20, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda Burch in Lubbock, Texas.

"Those who severely abuse trusted positions to prey on children, as this defendant is charged with doing, will be swiftly brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "Our law enforcement partners' diligent work uncovered the disturbing circumstances alleged in this indictment and complaint. We will prosecute this case and others like it to the fullest extent."

"The FBI's partnerships with state and local law enforcement allow us to combine resources and collectively tackle crimes against children. We will continue to prioritize these investigations and support our partners in pursuing those who target the most vulnerable members of our community," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.

According to the complaint, in 2023, Gonzalez began developing a relationship with a female student under the age of 17, eventually using a school-approved app to exchange messages with her. In the summer of 2025, Gonzalez obtained the student's cell phone number and began using that and another platform to message her. Beginning in October 2025, Gonzalez solicited the victim for nude photos and videos of herself and sent the victim nude photos of himself. He also had sex with her in the Shallowater High School band hall on multiple occasions. Court records reveal that Gonzalez's cell phone contained explicit messages sent to the victim by Gonzalez. The indictment charges Gonzalez with enticement of the victim to engage in sexual activity through March 12, 2026.

If convicted, Gonzalez faces a sentence of at least 10 years in federal prison up to life imprisonment. He remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

FBI Dallas Field Office - Lubbock Resident Agency and the Texas Rangers conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting the case.

A complaint and an indictment are merely allegations of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.