APS employee and son arrested on child pornography charges

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Another Albuquerque Public Schools employee, who has worked around children for years, is facing very troubling accusations.

FBI agents arrested Thomas Abeyta Late last week. Abeyta was a school custodian at Wherry Elementary School near Kirtland Air Force Base.

Abeyta worked as a custodian for APS since 1999 and is now facing child pornography charges. 

Investigators believe he distributed material involving child sexual abuse online, and expressed interest in sexually abusing a relative.

Investigators also say he had pictures of young girls’ underwear from Wherry elementary. But said he didn’t do anything to any children at the school because he “didn’t want to jeopardize his job.” 

A representative from APS says Abeyta will stay on administrative leave during the investigation.

Special agents were originally at his home to arrest just Thomas Abeyta – but more than one person walked away in handcuffs.

Agents also arrested his son, Carlos Abeyta. Investigators say they found multiple child porn files on a computer in his room, and porn actively playing on his computer.

Carlos Abeyta is in jail and prosecutors filed to keep him there until trial.

Abeyta is just one more on a growing list of APS employees either accused or found guilty of disturbing crimes so far this year.

A jury convicted former APS teacher Danny Aldaz last month of molesting one of his 7-year-old students.

Special agents arrested Ralph Martinez, an APS bus driver in July. He’s allegedly linked to four cold case rapes.

KOB 4 recently learned Kevin Keiner – an APS police officer – had rape charges against him dismissed, but they could be re-filed. Keiner was a former New Mexico State Police officer.

Investigators and APS are asking any families who might have information about Thomas Abeyta to please come forward.