BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Nearly two years after his arrest, a former Shafter elementary school teacher accused of possessing child sex abuse material is set to go to trial in December, according to Kern County court records.
Zachary McGraw, a former sixth-grade teacher at Golden Oak Elementary in the Richland School District, pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of distributing obscene matter of a child under 18 years old and possession of matter depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct. McGraw’s name does not appear on the Golden Oak Elementary staff website as of Sept. 1, 2026.
FILE: Zachary McGraw appears in court on Feb. 26, 2025. (KBAK/KBFX)
The case dates back to Dec. 2, 2024, when around 7 a.m. personnel with the Bakersfield Police Department, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service executed a search warrant at a home in the 15000 block of Pinion Court in northwest Bakersfield.
The Richland School District said it was made aware of the arrest of a staff member on allegations of possession of child sexual abuse material.
In a statement at the time of the arrest, the district said:
These allegations are deeply concerning, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that this incident involved any students. As this is a personnel matter and part of an active investigation, the district will not be making further comments.The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all.
McGraw bailed out in Feb. 2025, but was being monitored.
He is set to return to court on Dec. 4 for a readiness hearing. A potential trial date is set for Dec. 14, 2026.