May 15th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Fox Middle School teacher has been arrested and charged following an investigation into alleged inappropriate sexual and criminal conduct involving a student under the age of 14.
According to the Arnold Police Department, 42-year-old Zachery Robert Leonard of St. Louis was initially arrested on May 6, 2026, after the allegations were reported to authorities. Arnold Detectives and School Resource Officers immediately began an investigation into the incident.
Police say Leonard was later released while detectives continued gathering evidence. On May 11, investigators submitted a probable cause statement to the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Authorities say a no bond warrant was issued on May 14, and Leonard was taken back into custody without incident.
Leonard has been charged with one count of enticement of a child, two counts of child molestation in the third degree, and two counts of sexual contact with a student. He is currently being held without bond at the Arnold Police Department Jail.
Following the arrest, the Fox C-6 School District released a statement to district families acknowledging the ongoing investigation involving a Fox Middle School staff member.
In the statement, Superintendent Dr. Paul Fregeau said the Arnold Police Department notified district administrators of allegations involving a staff member and confirmed the employee has been placed on administrative leave.
The district stated that the health, safety, and welfare of students remain its highest priority and said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office during the investigation.
District officials also said appropriate reports will be filed with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education once the investigation is complete.
The district acknowledged that parents may still have unanswered questions but stated it could not discuss specific details because the matter involves personnel issues.