LUBBOCK, Texas — A former assistant band director at Shallowater ISD has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly enticing a minor, according to the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Joseph Macauley Gonzalez, a 27-year-old from Shallowater, Texas, was charged in mid-March and indicted on April 8, 2026, for the federal offense of enticement of a minor. He is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda Burch on April 20, 2026, 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,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. He emphasized the diligent work of law enforcement partners in uncovering the alleged circumstances.
The FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge, R. Joseph Rothrock, highlighted the importance of partnerships with state and local law enforcement in tackling 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,” he said.
According to the complaint, Gonzalez began a relationship with a female student under the age of 17 in 2023, using a school-approved app for communication. By the summer of 2025, he had obtained her cell phone number and began soliciting nude photos and videos from her, while also sending explicit images of himself. The indictment alleges that Gonzalez engaged in sexual activity with the student at Shallowater High School through March 12, 2026.
If convicted, Gonzalez faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment. He remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency and the Texas Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that a complaint and an indictment are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.