Bluegrass

Former Wylie East principal arrested

by | Jun 11, 2026 | Area News, Education, Latest

Wylie Police have filed a second charge against a former assistant principal at Wylie East High School.

Detective Alexandra Waters, a police public information officer, said the Criminal Investigations Division arrested Zachary Christian Neu on Thursday, June 4, on a second-degree felony charge alleging soliciting prostitution or other activity with a payor person under the age of 18.

Waters said Neu, a 32-year-old Richardson resident, was accused of offering to buy alcohol and lingerie for a recent 2026 Wylie East graduate “in exchange for sexual conduct.” 

Police later identified a second victim after executing a search warrant on Neu’s personal devices, Waters said in a Friday, June 5, release. 

“Neu is also being charged with improper relationship between educator and student,” Waters said. Court records show he was transferred Friday to the Collin County Detention Center, where he was held on two bonds totaling $1.5 million. No attorney for his case was noted.

Wylie Independent School District said Neu was hired as a science teacher at Wylie East HS in August 2017, promoted to dean of students in July 2024 and then assistant principal in January 2026.

“His employment with the district ended today,” April Cunningham, chief communications officer for WISD, said after police announced Neu’s arrest.

In a letter to Wylie East parents, WISD Superintendent Kim Spicer said the district had been cooperating with police.

“While I am limited in the details I can provide due to the ongoing criminal investigation, I want to be absolutely clear — the allegations being investigated are serious and wholly inconsistent with the standards we expect of our employees,” Spicer said.

“Educators hold positions of authority and are entrusted with tremendous responsibility,” she said. “As adults, they are expected to exercise sound judgment and understand that they are responsible for maintaining appropriate boundaries and relationships with students at all times.”

The superintendent said district employees should never engage in private communication with a student through personal social media or other unofficial channels. 

“Electronic communication between students and staff should occur only through official district platforms, such as district email or Wylie ISD Connect (ParentSquare),” Spicer said. “These rules exist to protect students and staff, maintain transparency, and ensure accountability.”

She thanked the graduate and their family for reporting their concerns to law enforcement. 

“Speaking up when something feels wrong takes courage, and their actions allowed the matter to be investigated quickly,” she said.

Stay informed. Support your local community newspaper — subscribe to The Sachse News.

Bluegrass

0 Comments

Subscribe Love

Related News

Wylie Championship Rodeo canceled for 2026

Wylie Championship Rodeo canceled for 2026

The 2026 Wylie Championship Rodeo has been canceled after officials were unable to secure a temporary venue while renovations are underway at the Wylie ISD rodeo facility. For more than 30 years, the annual rodeo has been a community tradition, with the Wylie Area...

read more
School celebrates Hammerle’s lasting legacy

School celebrates Hammerle’s lasting legacy

Steve Hammerle addresses the crowd Sunday after Sachse High School’s gymnasium was dedicated in his honor. The former principal, who spent nearly 50 years in public education, called the recognition “the highlight of my career.” John Kanelis/The Sachse News They made...

read more
Garland ISD trustees honor NBA alumnus

Garland ISD trustees honor NBA alumnus

Garland ISD trustees unanimously approved naming South Garland High School’s varsity gymnasium in honor of alumnus and NBA star Tyrese Maxey during their Tuesday, July 28 regular meeting, recognizing his accomplishments and lasting impact on the school community....

read more
Council resumes budget discussions

Council resumes budget discussions

The Sachse City Council on Monday advanced the proposed 2026-27 city budget one step closer to adoption by approving the maximum property tax rate for the coming fiscal year. Council members received a lengthy report on the budget process from finance director David...

read more
Shop and save during sales tax holiday

Shop and save during sales tax holiday

Texans can save money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks — selling for less than $100 — during the Tax-Free weekend, a yearly event begun in 1999, the state comptroller’s office says.  Qualifying items can be purchased...

read more
Fallen warriors honored in portrait project

Fallen warriors honored in portrait project

Portraits of five Collin County veterans were added to the Hall of Heroes at the Collin County Courthouse earlier this month. Courtesy Misty Wiebold A long-missing World War II sailor from Farmersville is among five Collin County service members newly honored in the...

read more
Lange honored with Legionnaire of the Year award

Lange honored with Legionnaire of the Year award

Mary Lange, commander of American Legion Hale-Combest Post 315, received the Texas Legionnaire of the Year award earlier this month. File Art A Wylie woman whose leadership helped bring “The Wall That Heals” to the community last year has received one of the Texas...

read more
Subscribe Love