YUKON, Okla. — A former private school principal, who was arrested last month for allegedly possessing explicit photos of minors, has been taken back into custody this week facing additional charges, including one for using photographic equipment in a clandestine manner.
Kevin Cobbs, who previously served as the principal and boys’ basketball coach at Southwest Covenant, a private Christian school in Yukon, was initially arrested on March 25 after investigators found a nude photograph of a teenage boy hidden in a folder on his phone during the execution of a search warrant. The search was initiated after the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
At the time of his first arrest, Cobbs was charged with possession of child pornography. Authorities later discovered more explicit images of minors in a second hidden folder on Cobbs’ phone, including one involving a student from Southwest Covenant. Cobbs was booked into the Canadian County Jail later that day but was able to post bond and was released just days before being fired by the school.
Sheriff Chris West of the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office had cautioned that the investigation was ongoing, as forensic examinations of Cobbs’ electronic devices were still in progress. “This investigation really isn’t over,” West said in an interview shortly after Cobbs’ arrest. “We have these electronic devices that we’re going to run forensic examinations on, and there’s some other information that we were able to obtain from Mr. Cobbs that we’re going to go ahead and pursue.”
As authorities continued their investigation, additional evidence was uncovered, leading to Cobbs’ second arrest on Thursday. He is now facing new charges, including buying, procuring, or possessing child pornography and using photographic, electronic, or video equipment in a clandestine manner. These new charges are in connection to his alleged use of hidden devices for capturing explicit photos without the knowledge of his victims.
The CCSO has yet to release detailed arrest documents that specify the full scope of the new allegations against Cobbs. However, the investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the full extent of his actions.
Cobbs’ arrest has shocked the local community, especially at Southwest Covenant, where he had been employed until his firing. The school has not publicly commented on the ongoing investigation, but it is clear that Cobbs’ actions have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students under his care.
As of Friday, Cobbs remains in the Canadian County Jail with a significantly higher bond, reflecting the gravity of the new charges against him. Authorities have made it clear that their investigation into Cobbs’ activities is far from complete, and they continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to the protection of minors, both online and in school environments.
