A disturbing arrest in Tulare County.

A band teacher at Tulare Western High School is facing felony charges, after authorities say they found child porn on his computer.

Federal and local authorities have been investigating 52-year-old Raymond Ferenci since May of 2008, when allegations arose, that he was sending inappropriate text messages to 3 of his students.

This is a teacher who has worked at Tulare Western for 20 years, loved and trusted by just about everyone on campus, many of whom were shocked when they heard about his arrest Thursday morning.

Vern Barlogio, principal, Tulare Western High School: "I knew there was some federal investigation kind of things going on, but I wasn't prepared for that."

52-year-old Raymond Ferenci, a band teacher at Tulare Western High School, arrested this morning at his Visalia home, after federal and local authorities say they found child pornography, including videos and photos, on at least two of his personal computers.

Investigators say they weren't intentionally looking for child porn when they discovered it on Ferenci's computers.

But, they say what they were looking for was additional evidence of Ferenci inappropriately text messaging three of his students, allegations that popped up last spring, leading the teacher to be placed on paid administrative leave.

Tulare western junior, Sean Torres says he's known Ferenci for most of his life, adding his mother has been best friends with the teacher for as long as he can remember.

He told KSEE 24 news: he feels Ferenci was set up by another student before the allegations arose, another student says she’s heard differently.

But Captain Breckinridge says Ferenci’s case is now in the hands of federal prosecutors and it will be up to them to determine whether Ferenci should be charged for something authorities say happens all too often.

Ferenci was booked at the Tulare Police Department on Thursday morning, and then transferred to the Fresno County Jail.

That’s where he remains tonight.

For Preston Phillips’ full story, click on the video link above.