US teacher sentenced to 22 years for child pornography

According to his plea agreement, in the summer of 2022, Zaheri began a sexual relationship, with a minor student at the high school where he was employed as a teacher. 

The relationship continued through the school year and included Zaheri engaging in sexual acts with the victim during school hours. 

Zaheri admitted that, during the course of the relationship, he produced sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victim using his cell phone.

Under federal law, Zaheri must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 22 years.

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.