NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – A 51-year-old New Port Richey man employed by the Pasco County School District is now facing federal charges following a grand jury indictment in Tampa.
Joel Thomas Lust was charged Tuesday with the possession of child sexual abuse material, a crime that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison if he is convicted.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe of the Middle District of Florida.
According to the indictment, the alleged activity took place over a 14-month period between March 2023 and May 2024. During that window, investigators claim Lust accessed and possessed visual media depicting the sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12.
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The investigation into Lust’s activities was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry has been assigned to prosecute the case on behalf of the government.
Pasco County Schools said that Lust was in a clerical role and had no contact with students, and no students were involved with this case.
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